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Strabane Athletic gearing up for debut season

Thursday, 22 July 2010

FOLLOWING a public meeting in Melvin Sports Complex on Friday night of last week, Strabane Athletic FC have elected a committee to run the club and are building towards their first ever season in the Fermanagh and Western third division.
The new club was formed as a result of a burst of enthusiasm by a collection of individuals in the town. These individuals have a variety of different backgrounds ranging from local business people, former and present players, and supporters of local football in the Strabane area.
Having had an application for inclusion into the third division of the Fermanagh and Western third division accepted, it was decided by those that submitted the application that the best way forward was to allow anyone interested in becoming involved the opportunity to do so.
A committee was duly elected at the public meeting and they are unanimous in their view that they are trying to create a club, not just a team. The long term vision is to form various youth teams, as well as a reserve team. The committee realises that a lot of hard work lies ahead if these aims are to be realised. Already a number of local businesses have approached the club with a view to providing sponsorship.
Club spokesperson, Stephen Donanghey, added: "In our first season we want to go as well as possible in the league, but we want to promote as many young players as possible.
“I feel there's a gap between youth football and adult football so we are hoping to give as many youngsters as possible a chance."
Ex-Strabane FC and Irvinestown Wanderers player, Martin Doherty, has been appointed team manager for the 2010/11 season. He has already made several signings including former Omagh Town players, Richard McGinley and John Donaghey.
A few promising local young players have also indicated a willingness to sign and the club hope they will do so over the forthcoming weeks. Doherty is also in the process of arranging a number of pre-season friendly games before the league commences on August 21.
Strabane Athletic FC welcome all support for the season ahead. Details of fixtures and events will be released over the next few weeks. Their home games will be played on pitch one at Melvin, which they will share with Strabane FC who play in the Northern Ireland Intermediate League.

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