History of Alan McDonald Soccer School of Excellence

Established in June 1988 by the RUC Station Football League, the Soccer School was first held at the Police Federation Country Club, Kilroot, Carrickfergus.

Supported initially by the RUC Benevolent Fund and Welfare Branch the school was there to provide children with the opportunity to be coached in an array of footballing skills and techniques by invited coaches and International football stars.

In its inaugural year, the Station Football League welcomed to the school three Northern Ireland International footballers, John McClelland, Kevin Wilson and Alan McDonald. With their expertise support and encouragement, this ensured that a solid foundation was laid for the future development of the event for years to come.

The Police Federation Country Club remained the Soccer School's spiritual home up until its closure in 1994 when, in the summer of 1995 the school was re-located to the Police Sports Athletic Association grounds at Newforge Lane, Belfast.

The PSNI F.A. Soccer School continues to grow into a cross-community body. The Association is extremely proud of the service we provide each year to the community of Northern Ireland right across the religious divide.

From those humble beginnings back in 1988 each child receives an autographed certificate, soccer ball and a small memento outlining that they had completed the 2-day course.

The PSNI FA have received and accommodated over 200 applicants proving that the Soccer School has continued to grow in size and stature as one of the major Summer Soccer Schools in the province.

Here are just some of our guests who have contributed to the success of the Soccer School over the years:-

Charlie Boyd

The PSNI Football Association felt that it was appropriate and extremely important to mention the tremendous support we receive each year from our volunteers within the organisation who assist each year in the smooth running of the event none more so than the Football Association's former Vice Chairman Charlie Boyd who died suddenly on the 22nd April 2006. Charlie had been in Newcastle upon Tyne whilst managing the DCU League over 35's representative team against the Durham Constabulary.

Charlie had been the driving force of the Soccer School over many, many years, and everyone associated with the school sorely miss his enthusiasm and cheerful manner amongst the coaches and children alike. A qualified IFA Coach in his own right, Charlie had been the Youth Development Officer attached to Crusaders Football Club in North Belfast following his retirement from the Police Service.

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