By Paul O’Donovan
Community Policing Mullingar, in conjunction with Paul Osam from the FAI, organised an under 12 soccer blitz for Mullingar communities in Springfield last Saturday morning, 2nd of July.
Six teams took part in the five a-side blitz in short games that lasted five minutes a side. After the final, trophies were presented to the winners and medals for the runners up. To ensure girls got involved in the competition at least one girl had to be playing for each team at all times.
The teams that took part were Ballynacargy, Curraghmore, D’Alton Park, Grange ‘A’ and Grange ‘B’ and a team from All Saints, (Gainstown and St Colman’s).
The aim of the competition was to get young people playing sport and it allowed the Community Police to work with young people in various communities. The children in turn become more familiar with the local Gardaí who they could then trust.
The competition was also aimed at team spirit and team building and rules included no bad language, showing respect for each other, and promoting good manners and sportsmanship amongst all the players.
Sgt. Blaithin Moran, Scott Kahler, Neil Donnellan, Thomas Blake and Sgt. Roger Nicholson were amongst the Gardaí present on the day.
In the final, Grange ‘A’ defeated All Saints. Grange ‘A’ led by a few goals but All Saints came back, but Grange scored a few more goals to win the competition.
Topic spoke to one of the players, Jake Farrell, who played for the Grange B team. Jake said, “I like playing as a striker and scoring goals. Our team did well and we came fourth. I enjoyed it at the start when we were winning, but overall it was a great day and I enjoyed it,” said Jake who would love to play for Barcelona.
The organisers would like to thank Mullingar Shamrocks GAA Club for the use of their grounds and facilities for this community event.
Garda Thomas Blake said the tournament was a great success and they would hope to hold it again next year. Over 50 children got to meet each other and make new friends, and every child who took part was a winner, he said.
