Minister praises progress of Institute Football Club

Sports Minister Michael McGimpsey has praised the achievements and ambition shown by Irish Premier League newcomers Institute Football Club.

The Minister had travelled to the north west of the province to see at firsthand the work which has been carried out on the club’s ground at Drumahoe on the outskirts of Londonderry and to learn more about their plans for the future.

The club has seen its fortunes soar over the past few years having been promoted through Irish footballing ranks from the Intermediate League to the Irish Premier League, culminating in a 1-0 win over Irish League giants Linfield just a few weeks ago.

Congratulating Institute on their promotion to the Premier Division of the Irish League, Mr McGimpsey said: “I am delighted that the club has put to such good use the recent funding which was made available through the Safe Sports Grounds Scheme and the Sports Lottery. It is evident from the ground improvements that Institute is a very ambitious club which is playing its part to raise the profile and standard of football in the area.

“It is also encouraging more young people to get involved in the game through its Youth Football Development Centre. This is one of a number which are being established with the £1.6 million which I made available to help the grassroots of the game.

“If we are to get our soccer onto a sound footing, we must nurture our talented youngsters through the ranks and I am convinced that these centres will be a vital link in the chain in helping to restore local football to its former glory.”

The Minister also pointed out that all ambitious clubs in the Province wishing to progress from grassroots level through to senior football should have every opportunity to realise their aspirations. He said: “The introduction of a pyramid system is one of the recommendations contained in the Report presented to me by the Football Advisory Panel and it is a proposal which has my full support.

“The Panel’s Report is currently under consideration by the local football authorities and I believe that they will shortly endorse the recommendations which it contains. Implementation of this Report will be essential to help safeguard the future of football in Northern Ireland.”

However Institutes' on-field success has come at a price because manager Paul Kee, who took the club to the pinnacle of Irish football, has been headhunted by English third division club Carlisle, where under a five-year full-time contract he has just been appointed youth development officer.

Mr McGimpsey was welcomed to Drumahoe by the Chairman of Institute FC, Trevor Porter, and by its President, Charles Ferguson.

(MB)