Club History

Welcome to Greenisland Football Club

Greenisland is situated on the southeast coast of County Antrim, on the west side of Belfast Lough, eight miles from Belfast and two miles from Carrickfergus.

 

Mission statement

Greenisland Football Club is committed to providing footballing facilities and to encourage and develop young footballers in an enjoyable and safe environment

Background

The impetus behind the creation of Greenisland Football Club was borne through the desire of a number of local football enthusiasts to develop young players in a safe, disciplined and fun environment. The coaches were inspired by the creation of the Milk Cup which is an International Youth football Competition held in the northwest of Northern Ireland every year since 1982.

From the outset it was agreed that the basis of the Club would be firmly enshrined in the Constitution backed up with a proactive Child Protection Policy.

Central to the ethos of the Club was a strong emphasis on cross community participation.

With the concept established the Club 'kicked off' in September 1995 with 13 kids and a ball on the playing fields at Glenkeen Avenue, Greenisland.

The coaching emphasis was on developing basic skills (touch, control, technique) in a structured and enjoyable environment as opposed to 'the win at all costs' ethos.

As the number of participants grew it was clear that we needed additional coaches. The personnel were only appointed after careful vetting and on the understanding that if they had not already qualified as certified IFA coaches that they pass the IFA preliminary coaching award.

Benefits

This policy has proved invaluable to the Club not only in developing the skills of the kids but also importantly in developing the individual coaches.

Training/Coaching schedules

Training recommences the 1st Saturday in August for U10's up to U15's. Munchkins (6 to 9 year old) commences 1st Saturday in September.

The training takes place at Greenisland playing fields, which are owned by Carrickfergus Council.

Winter training

The Club trains once a week during the winter months, at our all weather training facility at Greenisland. The Training Nights are staggered to enable us to accommodate the different age groups.

Future Plans must be based on

1. Continued emphasis on quality
2. Encourage coaches to attain higher coaching awards
3. To put in place the best possible facilities
4. To coach from an early age
5. To establish good footballing practice's
6. Encouragement at all aspects of the Club

 Greenisland Football Club

Constitution

Name 1

The name of the club shall be Greenisland Football Club.

Herein after referred to as the Club.

Objects 2

The primary inception of the club is to provide footballing facilities for the youth of Greenisland and the outlying districts and is based on the ethics fair play, cross-community involvement and mutual understanding.

Membership 3

A - No person shall be denied membership of the club on the grounds of race, colour, creed, ethic origin,sex or disability.

B - Participants are expected to contribute financially to the Club.

C - All members of the Club shall be expected to adhere to the constitution and rules and additionally act in a manner befitting to the ethos of the Club.

Management and Trustees 4

A - The affairs of the Club shall be conducted by a committee and shall consist of: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Head Coach, Youth Development Officer, Public Relations Officer and representatives of the participant age groups.

B - The General Committee may at it's discretion co-opt additional members to serve on the afore said committee.

C - The General Committee may establish an Executive Committee to conduct the affairs of the Club which will act in accordance with Club policies.

D - The Trustees shall be a minimum number of three and a maximum number of four.

E - The Trustees shall be appointed by the Management Committee and shall be made up as follows: One officer of the Club, (to act as Chairman of Trustees)up to two Management Committee members, and one ordinary Club Member.

F - The assets of the Club shall protect the Trustees from pecuniary loss, except that arising from malfeasance or malpractice.

General Meetings 5

A- The Club shall hold its Annual General meeting on the last Saturday of June.

B - Approve the minutes of the previous years A.G.M.

C - Receive reports from the Chairman and Secretary.

D - Receive a report from the Treasurer and adopt the accounts.

E - Receive a report from the Auditors.

F - Elect the executive committee.

G - Consider changes to the Constitution.

H - Renew and consider changes to the bye-laws where appropriate.

I - Deliberate on any other business.

Extraordinary General Meeting 6

The General Committee shall have the power to call an extraordinary General Meeting by decision so a simple majority of its members.

Notice 7

Meetings shall be held on a monthly basis with 14 days notice being given to committee members.

Voting 8

With the exception of changes to the constitution, decisions put to the vote shall be resolved by a majority. In the event of a tie the chairman shall hold the deciding vote.

Quora 9

The quorum at General Meetings shall be at least two thirds of the General Committee. Where a quorum does not exist but at least three Executive Committee Members are present, the meeting shall take place but may decide to seek the opinions of absent committee members on urgent matters requiring a decision, either by written verification or appropriate methods.

Changes to the Constitution 10

A - Any changes to the Constitution shall require a two- thirds majority of those present and eligible to vote.

B - A proposal to a change in the Constitution must be submitted in writing to the Secretary who shall circulate the proposal to all relevant persons in the Club and allow one week for submissions of any amendments before calling a meeting in accordance with rule 5a.

Finance and Accounts 11

A - The Financial year shall run from July to June each year.

B - The Treasurer shall be responsible for the preparation of Annual Accounts of the Club.

C - The accounts of the Club shall be audited by an independent body.

D - All chegues or bank account withdrawals drawn against Club funds must be signed by the Treasurer and one other nominated officer-bearer.

E - Club Credit Card will be administered by the Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and the Club Secretary. The above mentioned officers are empowered to carry out loan transactions on behalf of club business. The Club Credit Card will be used exclusively for Club Business and will be documented in the Club's Accounts including credit card statements and transactions.

Bye-Laws 12

The General Committee shall have the power to publish and administer such by-laws as they deem necessary to govern the activities of the Club.

Dissolution 13

In the event of the dissolution of the Club, the assets shall, following satisfaction of all debts and liabilities, be dispersed to one or more Clubs having a similar ethos or related to those of the Club, as shall be determined by a simple majority of the General Committee.

Child Protection Policy

The Club shall adopt and activity use a Child Protection Policy.

Indemnity 14

The Club shall continually indemnify every officer, member, volunteer and participants of the Club from against all claims, demands, actions and proceedings made or brought against the Club in connection with its activities or in the administration of Club duties. This indemnity shall not extend to fraud, malpractice or wrongful omission on the behalf of the person or member sought to be made liable. The Treasurer shall effect a policy of insurance in respect of this indemnity.

Code Of Ethics

Players

1.1 - Play for enjoyment, not to please your parent or coach.

1.2 - Play by the laws of the game.

1.3 - Always accept the referees decision.

1.4 - Play with control. Do not lose you temper.

1.5 - Play for yourself and your team - your team's performance will benefit and so will your own.

1.6 - Be a good sport. Applaud all good play whether by your team or the opponent.

1.7 - Respect your opponent. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not "bully" or take advantage of any players.

1.8 - Cooperate with the coach, team mates and opponents.

1.9 - Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills, and feel good.

1.10 - At the final whistle applaud and thank your opponents and the referee for the match.

1.11 - Always remember that you owe a duty of care to your opponents. Tackle hard but fairly, do not intend to hurt your opponent.

1.12 - Win with humility - loose with dignity.

Coaches

2.1 - Remember that as a coach of underage teams you must act in "loco parentis" and to that extent your duty of care is more onerous than that of a coach to an adult team.

2.2 - Remember that young people need a coach whom they can respect. Lead by example.

2.3 - Be generous with your praise when it is deserved.

2.4 - Never ridicule or shout at players for making mistakes or loosing a match.

2.5 - Teach your players that the laws of the game are mutual agreements which no one should evade or break.

2.6 - Be reasonable in your demands on the players' time energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests and demands on their time.

2.7 - Ensure that all players participate in matches. The "average" players require and deserve equal time.

2.8 - Remember that young players play for fun and enjoyment and that skill learning and playing for fun have priority over highly structured competitions. WINNING IS NOT THE ONLY OBJECTIVE.

2.9 - Develop player and team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.

2.10 - Insist on fair play and disciplined play. Do not tolerate foul play, fighting or foul language. Be prepared to take off an offending player.

2.11 - Set realistic goals for the team and individual players and do not push young players into adult - like competitions.

2.12 - Encourage young players to develop basic skills and sportsmanship. Avoid over specialization in positional ply during their formative years.

2.13 - Create a safe and enjoyable environment in which to train and play.

2.14 - Do not overburden young players with to much information.

2.15 - Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on sound coaching principles and methods, and on the principles of growth and development of young people.

2.16 - Be aware of the effect you have on growing children.

2.17 - Never criticize the referee or assistant referee during or after a match in front of players or spectators.

2.18 - Always thank the match officials and if they have made decisions which require clarification, discuss the problems after everyone has changed.

2.19 - Ensure that proper equipment and facilities are available at all times.

2.20 - seek and follow the advice of a doctor in determining when an injured player is ready to play again.

2.21 - Ensure that all your players know that bullying whether verbal or physical will not be tolerated.

12. Parents Code of Ethics

· Encourage but not force an unwilling child to participate in sport or in the club.

. Recognize that children's enjoyment in sport and as a member of this club is paramount.

. Emphasize enjoyment and fun, praising and reinforcing effort and improvement.

. Promote and teach fair play by setting a good example.

. Help your child to set realistic goals, improve their skills and develop a positive sporting attitude.

. Never ridicule or shout at any child for making a mistake or losing a competition.

. Acknowledge and applaud good play by all players including opposing players. Parents / Guardians should set an example by being friendly towards the opposing team, its supporters and parents.

. Publicly accept an official's judgment and never question their honesty.

. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from children's sporting activities.

. Express any concerns about their child or the club to the nominated officer.

. Recognize the importance and value of coaches and others within the club who give their time, expertise and resources to provide opportunities for young people.

E-mail - stuart@greenislandfc.com