A serious row within Enniskillen Town United Football Club has seen the club restructure its youth and has resulted in the previous youth committee being disbanded. The club has announced that it has appointed Gary Beckett as Director of Youth Football.
Enniskillen Town United say they have no problem with the former members starting their own club but say they will not do it under the "cherished" Enniskillen Town name.
And this would seem to be where the latest battle lines have been drawn, over the naming of any breakaway club.
The former youth committee, however, say it is business as usual and that they will continue to coach youngsters under the banner of Enniskillen Town Youth Academy, arguing that the name is distinct from Enniskillen Town United. They coach on a Tuesday and Saturday and intend to enter teams in the Brendan Keogh Youth League as normal.
Indeed, Enniskillen Town Youth recently won the U13 Brendan Keogh League Cup.
They say they have sought legal advice as individuals over the decisions made at committee level by Enniskillen Town United and with regards to the contents of a letter circulated by Enniskillen Town United to youth members.
The former members say the matter is ongoing.
On Tuesday, Enniskillen Town United released a press release which said: "The reconstruction of our Youth Section has already commenced with the disbandment of our Youth Committee on 1st October 2012. However since then we have been content for the existing coaches to continue with the work they have been doing.
"While Enniskillen Town United FC has no problems with a new club being formed we will take whatever measures necessary to protect the distinguished and cherished name of our club and we have already contacted the Irish Football Association about this matter. Parents ought to be aware that their children may be asked to register for this new breakaway club and we will respect their right to do so but we are obliged to inform you that if they do they will not be representing Enniskillen Town United FC." To this end, Enniskillen Town United have organised an information evening for parents/guardians.
"The Club now feels that the time is right to make a public statement detailing our position and we will also be holding an Information Evening in the Baloo Room, Lakeland Forum on Wednesday 14th November from 6.00pm - 8.00pm when we will respond to any concerns or questions that parents/guardians may have.
"As we enter a new era we are putting in place, for the first time, a dedicated team of fully qualified Youth Coaches who will meet the criteria required for coaching young people including IFA recognised accreditation and NI Access Child Protection.
"This team of coaches which will be largely drawn from current and former players many of whom are themselves a product of our youth system and who are eager to pass on their own skills and experiences. They will be led by current first team player and former Derry City star, Gary Beckett, who in his role as Director of Youth Football will ensure that all of our coaches engage in progressive coaching and that there is continuity between age groups. Coaching Sessions will begin during week commencing 26th November 2012 when all of our prospective coaches have undergone NI Access Child Protection Training. Our primary aim will be to provide quality coaching in a fun environment where all players will be treated with respect and encouraged regardless of ability." Enniskillen Town United say they will also be entering teams in the Brendan Keogh Youth League, the Foyle Cup and the Northern Ireland Boys Football Association knock-out competitions in December.
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