(Attitude – Practice – Educational – eXcellence)

Ballyclare Comrades secured a basis for the club's youth structure from under 11 level to under 15 level by allying with established Newtownabbey based youth football club Apex Sky Blues. From 2006/07 Apex Sky Blues sides at this level became Ballyclare Comrades sides, playing in the same kit as the senior side. Meanwhile, the Apex Soccer Academy continues to provide a coaching programme for 5 to 9 year olds (see below).

Coaching Programme for 5 - 9 Years Old


This is the entry and introduction level to the Apex Soccer Academy.  The emphasis for this age group is one of fun, enjoyment, introduction to coaching and the teaching of the Club’s discipline.  The progress that is hopefully achieved at this early age are the distinction between the right and the left feet and the understanding of both feet operating as a team. (What is done with one foot is also done by the other.)  This is progressed by the use of ball feel exercises.  This age group also starts to learn and understand the basic skills of the game through the use of various coaching techniques and exercises.  The group takes part in fun games and small sided games as an introduction to friendly competition. 


The coaching that is given to this group is to assist progression and to complement the Centre’s statement that good practice makes permanent. 



Progression

Progression after the age of 9 is through the affiliation with Ballyclare Comrades at Under 11 through to Under 16 level with these age groups playing in the Lisburn Invitational Junior League.  From then on players can progress to the Colts (under 18) and Senior sides.  After coming through the Apex Soccer Academy and Team Development section the players will have received a good standard of education for them to take with them to their next level of learning with Ballyclare Comrades as an Irish League Club.  Ballyclare Comrades is a forward thinking club who are putting an emphasis on youth and the affiliation between the two clubs will be rewarding to both parties and to all the players who will be fortunate to have the opportunity to come through this unique educational system.