Stirling City Allstars experienced being a very welcome visiting team by Belfast's Glentoran Football Club last Thursday when they stopped in on The Oval during their 400 mile round trip.

 

The Scottish club, established in 2007 to provide recreational football for footballers with disabilities, were delighted to receive a tour of the stadium upon their recent

competing in the Irish Football Association’s endorsed Coca-Cola Communities Cup.

 

“It was a great way to appropriately reward our team's fantastic start to our first visit overseas for a tournament” commented club chairperson Alban Dickson.

 

The tournament was appropriately held at the Billy Neill Centre for Excellence, named after the club's own legend. The Allstars were one of just 2 Scottish clubs who travelled to partake in the tournament and the only team fortunate enough to receive a guided tour of one of Northern Ireland's most famous football grounds.

 

“Everything about our visit was so welcoming and was a terrific reward for the hard work from all our players and volunteers, not just on the park but also to those who

fundraised hard to make the trip possible.”

 

“We had a couple of sponsored hillwalks and a collection with half-time display at Stirling Albion Football Club. For the guys to experience the ins and outs of a local, professional, football club over here was a great excursion and focal point for the trip.”

 

After successfully winning all of the group games on the first day of the tournament the team were welcomed onto the park at the 26,000 capacity stadium before being shown the dressing rooms, boardroom and spectacular views from the main stand.

 

“Needless to say every player and coach enjoyed it. The end of our tour proved that as I don't think a single person returned to Scotland without a Glentoran football shirt or

other souvenir!”

 

Stirling City Allstars are actively seeking new coaches, to lead and assist with the delivery of weekly training sessions. No prior experience is required and support,

training and development opportunities are available. Interested parties, and any prospective players, may attend at Causewayhead Park (Wallace High School), Stirling

on a Monday night between 6-7.30pm or can contact Alban Dickson on

 

alban.dickson@gmail.com