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Welcome to Cherry Orchard FC Academy
The Cherry Orchard FC Academy develops talented young footballers from the age of three. There have been significant developments at the Academy in the last 12 months, as the club continues to recruit players of outstanding potential that can be nurtured into future Schoolboy team regulars. The Academy prepares players of the future for the club and enables them to progress both on and off the field.
There is no doubt that the profile of being an Elite club and the success which has come with it, has generated a considerable amount of excitement and enthusiasm for the game among local and regional youngsters. The club is eager to tap into that, so that there will be more young players in the Schoolboy squads in the long-term future playing at the highest level.
Vision and Culture
Cherry Orchard FC are committed to developing an Academy that has a strong base. An Academy that is proud of its heritage and is dedicated to providing opportunities to local players, whilst also attracting players from outside the area because of its reputation and strong values.
Cherry Orchard FC will strive to be the best Academy in the region and will only do so through hard work and by investing in its staff, players and facilities.
The Academy will embrace a holistic approach so that all aspects of player development contribute to the complete education of those connected with the Cherry Orchard FC Academy. This will encompass not only technical and tactical issues but also social, physical, medical and educational areas. By doing this we will ensure that all our players are prepared for the challenges ahead in future years.
Our club intends to become a sustainable member of the DDSL and SDFL Leagues and, by investing in our Academy, we feel that this will benefit not only our future playing squads but also the community who support the club.
Values
An Academy is defined as the following in The Oxford Dictionary - ‘A place of study or training in a specific field’.
The Cherry Orchard FC Academy has the following values which all those connected to the club must have in the forefront of their mind in everything they do:
Respect
For all those around you, The Academy itself and most importantly for yourself.
Belief
In yourself and the reasons you are here, what we are all working together to achieve and how these goals will be achieved.
Dedication
Be the best you can, that’s all we ask of you. You can influence your own development so do everything within your ability to give yourself the best possible chance of success. Be dedicated to the task ahead and understand what is required to maintain your personal development.
The club and its Staff have worked hard to put the Academy in the position we currently find ourselves. We should always remember the hard work and dedication of previous and current staff so all can continue to benefit in the future.
Coaching Philosophy
'The player is the focal point of all we do at The Academy’
Although educating the players to play as part of a team, it is vital that all our players understand the roles and responsibilities they have within the team structure as an individual.
Coaching will be structured through enjoyable sessions and taught in a number of styles that must enthuse, guide and excite our players.
Coaching sessions will follow our curriculum although it is vital that our playing philosophy of ball retention is evident throughout the session and not dismissed at the expense of the topic.
Coach intervention along with instruction is encouraged however players must learn to make their own decisions and have ownership of their own personal development.
Playing Philosophy
We want all our teams to be organized in and out of possession.
To be comfortable in a number of formations with a style of play that is consistent throughout the whole club.
To play with freedom in the correct areas of the field and in the correct manner, which requires our players to be brave and demand possession which in turn dominates possession.
To retain the football in all areas of the pitch by making good decisions to progress through the thirds. All players must be comfortable in possession and this includes the goalkeeper.
All should embrace winning however it is important that it is achieved in a style and manner that reflects the Academy values.
Recruitment
The Academy's recruitment philosophy is committed in the identification of potential players, with a focus on local football talent. We aim to provide a safe and vibrant environment that will aid the development of the players. We believe we have a high calibre of coaches with an outstanding support mechanism that will provide the opportunity for every player to fulfil their maximum potential.
Facilities
The Academy is held at our home ground and clubhouse, Elmdale, with all the equipment and facilities we need such as:
• 7v7 and 9v9 pitches
• 2 x 11 a side pitches.
• New modern changing rooms.
• Injury and physiotherapy room.
• Meeting room
. Player Registration area
• Shop and seating area
. New state of the art Astro pitch on its way
For more information on the facilities check out our website www.cherryorchardfc.ie
Safe Guarding
The Academy believe that football should be fun, healthy and life enhancing and that all those who participate in the Club’s activities should have an enjoyable and safe experience.
The Academy acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Our policies recognise that the welfare and interests of children are paramount in all circumstances. We aim to ensure that regardless of age, gender, religion or beliefs, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic background, all children:
• Have a positive and enjoyable experience at the Academy in a safe and child centered environment for children and young people
• Are protected from abuse whilst participating in activities organised by the Academy
The Academy acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept our responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure their welfare and capacity to participate as fully as possible in football activities.
As part of our Safeguarding Policy, everyone at the Academy will:
• Promote and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of children and young people
• Ensure that all staff and volunteers at the club understand their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding children.
• Ensure that appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and that support is provided to individuals who raise concerns
• Ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
Safe Guarding Contd…..
The Club and the Academy utilises the Internet to communicate in a variety of ways. It is important therefore to understand how to make use of this technology safely and appropriately.
• Prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
Reporting Your Concerns
If you have a concern about your own safety or the safety or welfare of a child or adults at risk who engage in Academy activities you can speak to one of the following people:
Karl Keogh (Director of Football)
Ken Brady (Director of SSG & Academy)
Orlagh Keogh (Child Welfare Officer) & Sarah Marlow (Child Welfare Officer)
Mark ONeill (Public Relations Officer)
If you are worried about the immediate safety or welfare of a child, you can also contact:
Ballyfermot Garda Station 999 in an emergency
