St Patrick’s Athletic announce affiliation with Crumlin United
By Echo Reporter
St Patrick's Athletic FC have today announced an affiliation agreement with Crumlin United FC. The vision of both clubs is to create the means and environment to nurture and develop young talent in the interest of players, clubs and domestic football.
The two clubs will work closely together to define a tangible plan for each young player to maximise their talent and ambition. This plan would see young players progress through to the underage and senior structures of the SSE Airtricity League and potentially beyond.
The partnership further strengthens the aspiration of St Pat’s under the ownership of Garrett Kelleher to provide greater opportunities to young players from the immediate community enabling them to further their footballing ambitions in Ireland, a goal that Saints’ manager Liam Buckley has promoted during his entire management career.
“I’m delighted that we are able to work together with Crumlin United FC,” Buckley told stpatsfc.com. “Crumlin are not only one of the leading clubs at underage level in Dublin, but one of the strongest in the country.”
“The work they have carried out in recent years has been outstanding, with many players having come through their underage structures, progessing to play football at the highest levels of competition both in this country and in the UK.”
Former players to have come through the youth set-up in Crumlin include all-time leading Republic of Ireland topscorer, Robbie Keane, and Richie Towell, who played for Crumlin from the age of 7 to 16 and currently plays for Brighton in the Championship in England.
“Working with local clubs is something that St Pat’s have always tried to do as we’re one of the strongest community clubs in the Country,” added Buckley, who grew up in the local area of Perrystown. “Working with Crumlin United is something we are all really excited about and look forward to progressing in the years to come.”
Speaking about the link-up between the clubs, Martin Loughran of Crumlin United outlined the great ties that have existed between the two clubs for many years.
“We’re delighted to link up with St Patrick’s Athletic and it’s something we believe will greatly benefit both clubs.”
“There has always been strong links between our clubs due to our proximity to each other and we are confident this will further enhance and strengthen the bond between these two leading Cubs.”
“It gives players a chance to move into a professional set at an early age.”
“Liam Buckley has shown he is a huge supporter of giving opportunities to young players in his time at Pat’s and that is something Crumlin United is delighted to be a part of. We look forward to continuing to provide a good environment for young players to develop.”
Brian Dalton who has had a long standing involvement with St Patrick’s Athletic FC, and who has been heavily involved with youth football for many years, will act as the main liaison between the Clubs and continue to promote the interests of football and help ensure both Clubs strengthen the underage game.
