Declan Lynch has joined Glentoran Academy in the role of project managing our holiday soccer camps and schools & community outreach programmes.
Declan is an extremely talented coach who comes with a great reputation and is currently caretaker manager of our 2006 Super Cup team helping them to prepare for the big event in July.
Declan spoke to www.glentoran.com about his excitement at taking on this role for Glentoran Academy: “I have just re-located back to Belfast from Auckland, New Zealand. I have been seeking a new club and more importantly a new challenge to help with my development as a coach at both youth and senior level. I have been living in New Zealand for the last 3 years working as the Football Development Officer for the Wellington Phoenix Soccer School based in Auckland. The 3 years proved to be very enjoyable and I believe that the coaching experience I gained was well worth the travel. During my 3 years in New Zealand I have played and coached at a semi professional level, whilst working full time as a football coach delivering community, development and elite programs to kids aged from 4 - 18+ years old. I decided to move home and find a permanent base where I can take my coaching development to the next level. I met with Stephen Lowry and Robert Watson at Glentoran and when I heard the plans for the future of the academy at the Glens I knew it was the right fit for me”
Academy Manager Stephen Lowry: "I am delighted with this appointment. The secret to a successful Academy and enjoyable environment for all of our children is ensuring we appoint the right people. We are very lucky to have fantastic coaches and staff throughout all of our sectors and age bands. Myself and my colleague Robert Watson (Player Pathway Manager) were discussing the need for this role and the moment he and I interviewed Declan we knew he was the man for the job! He has great mannerism about him as well as his obvious experience and is a brilliant role model for kids. This club needs to be doing more in the community and especially around holiday camps that are open to all and Declan’s experience in these fields will ensure we get it right. Welcome on board Declan".
Welcome on board Declan and best of luck with the new role. Our first camp organised and delivered by Declan along with selected Glentoran Academy coaches will be held in the first week of July at Ormeau Park 3G Mon-Thurs 9am-12pm. This will be open to all P1-P7 year old boys & girls and further details will be announced shortly.