.Ards Rangers Juniors started in July 2004 with one team (20 kids) and 4 coaches. We circulated some posters to say we were looking for kids to join.

The interest from the community was and is, still astounding. We now have a total of over 200 members and a waiting list of 30 kids for next season’s intake.

Ards Rangers Juniors cater for football coaching and match play for boys and girls from the age of 6 to 17. We currently provide facilities, kits, equipment etc for our children and training and development programs for our coaching staff.
This year we have: -
4 Teams… in the Ards Borough Youth Development League at U15, U14, U13 and U12 levels.
3 Mini Soccer teams…in the North Down soccer sevens program.
2 Teams…in the North Down soccer nines program.
Diddymen…provides coaching for our 6 – 9 year olds.
Coaching Staff…24 fully qualified coaches.
Committee…11 person committee.

In total we provide for 198 children mentored by 24 fully qualified coaches who report to an 11 person committee. Through natural growth this number will increase to over 300 people by 2012.

All coaches have completed a Child Protection course provided by the Irish Football Association and have been vetted through the Access NI process. We have 5 qualified referees (one for each age group and this year 6 of our coaches will complete a first aid training course. Ards Rangers Juniors have also 2 qualified Child Protection Officers.

CROSS COMMUNITY PROJECTS

Ards Rangers Juniors is pro-active in our cross community work. On the 23rd August 2008 we celebrated the third annual cross community project at Londonderry Park.
Hosted annually by Ards Rangers Juniors the event attracted over 250 children, parents and coaches from Cliftonville in north Belfast. Cliftonville send seven teams ranging from under 9 up to under 16 to participate in the competition.
Pitches, changing rooms, trophies and lunch for 500 people is provided each year and funded entirely by Ards Rangers Juniors.

CREWE TRIP

For the past four years Ards Rangers Juniors have travelled to Crewe Alexander during the Easter holiday. We believe that this four day trip is an important part of not only our children’s development but also the clubs development.
As ambassadors for Ards Rangers Juniors and Northern Ireland the children benefit from experienced coaching from Dario Grady who is recognised as one of the best coaches in Britain.
Being away from home the children have an opportunity to achieve a greater level of independence whilst developing their social skills. This trip is funded through planned events such as sponsored walks, bag packs and social events held at our clubhouse. Insurance for the venture is funded by Ards Rangers Juniors.

DEVELOPMENT

After a successful 2007 – 2008 season four of Ards Rangers Juniors players have been selected for the County Down representative squad at under 14, under 13 and under 12 levels. This has given our club and in particular our female members a real boost as three of the four selected are girls.
Applications from girls have increased over the last year, so much so that the committee are considering forming an Ards Rangers Juniors Ladies section which will allow us to increase our current ratios.
Cost and facilities remain an issue for this venture.

ARDS RANGERS SOCCER SCHOOL

This season will see Ards Rangers Juniors host the 19th annual Soccer School at Londonderry Park. The Soccer School is organised in conjunction with Ards Borough Council.
Around 200 children on average attend the event on both days.

Lunches are provided for all attending and as per our club policy of promoting healthy eating we provide a healthy lunch option for all kids and coaches that attend the 2 day school.

To store our equipment for events such as this and for hosting the mini soccer tournaments we had to purchase a container. The council has kindly allowed us to site the storage facility at Londonderry Park.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

As part of our self funding activities Ards Rangers juniors hold several function nights throughout the year. The high attendance at all our functions reflects the family atmosphere that we encourage at the club.
This ensures that not only the children benefit but also the wider family circle and friends of Ards Rangers Juniors contribute socially and financially to our organisation.

The Volunteers contribution to the success of our club is immeasurable. All our events are fully supported and ensures the high standards and family atmosphere remain paramount at Ards Rangers Juniors...THANK YOU TO ALL.
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Training and playing with our club also gives the children something to look forward to each week and keeps our members “off the street” Tracksuits in the club colours give a sense of pride and belonging.

Ards Rangers Juniors have a written policy which clearly outlines behaviours expected, both on and off the pitch, from all members of our club. This information is communicated annually to all our members to ensure understanding.

EASTER and CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Each year we organise festive celebrations at Easter and Christmas time. All of our junior members receive a token present on both occasions.