COACH INFORMATION
NEIL DONALDSON
QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE
I started coaching football 16 years ago, volunteering to help when my 7-year-old son joined Aquinas FC’s Mini Soccer Academy in 2008. In my first season. I completed my Irish Football Association (IFA) Level 1 Coaching Certificate - now referred to as the National Coaching Certificate.
The Aquinas FC Chairman at the time asked me stay on as Lead Coach of Mini Soccer and I remained in this voluntary post until 2023. While being involved with Aquinas FC, I also started and organised their annual Easter/Summer Soccer Camps.
I started coaching in the St Anne’s Primary School’s in 2011 when another volunteer coach helping with Mini Soccer suggested me to the School’s Parent Teacher Organisation (PTA) who ran an After School Programme that included football. I really enjoyed coaching in St Anne’s PS and it gave me the confidence to think about coaching as a career.
I initially started my own After School Football Club in 2014 at St Bride’s Parish Hall with only two sessions (Primary 2 and Primary 5). Over a period of 6 years, the number of sessions has increased until there are now seven sessions each week offered throughout the school year.
I also completed my “UEFA C License” in 2017 through the IFA.