Short History
Established in June 1991 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 Schools spiritual home up until its closure in 1994 were, 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 and the Association are 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 1991 each child receives an autographed certificate, soccer ball and a small memento outlining that they had successfully completed the 2-day course.
The PSNI FA have received and accommodated in excess of 200 applicants and proves 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:-
Alan McDonald QPR
Kevin Wilson Chelsea
John McClelland Leeds Utd
Bob Dowie Crystal Palace
Colin Nixon Glentoran
David Jeffrey Linfield
Bryan Hamilton N.I. Manager
Andy Kirk Hearts
Chris Brunt Sheffield Wed
Colin Clarke Southampton
Gary Hamilton Portadown
George Dunlop Linfield
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Glenn Ferguson Linfield
Iain Dowie Crystal Palace
Julian Dicks West Ham Utd
Jimmy Quinn Swindon Town
Keith Gillespie Man Utd
Steve Lomas West Ham Utd
Keith Hicks Rochdale
Rory Hamill Glentoran
Kyle Neill Portadown
Kevin Mckeown Crusaders
Scott Young Glentoran
Eric Young Scottish F.A.
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Martin Hodge Sheffield Wed
Roy McDonald Crusaders
Davy Provan Rangers F.C.
Nigel Worthington Norwich City
Tommy Wright Newcastle Utd
Chris Morgan Linfield
Ronnie Mcfall Portadown
Paul Kirk Lisburn Distillery
Darren Finlay Glentoran
Roy Millar I.F.A.
Dylan Kerr Scottish F.A.
Gary Issott Crystal Palace
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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 organization who assist each year in the smooth running of the event none more so than the Football Associations 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 will 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.
For further details concerning this years Soccer School please click into FORMS
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