Blarney United Football Club is an amateur soccer club based at O’Shea Park, Riverview Estate, Blarney, Cork City, Ireland. The club was established in 1949 and after many years of nomadic existence secured the grounds in Riverview in the 1980s. Through many years of hard work and commitment from members the club has further developed the facilities to include two full sized pitches, one turf, one artificial and a clubhouse. In 2019 the club celebrated it’s 70^th anniversary and secured its first national title in the same year winning the U17 FAI Challenge Cup. The club currently has over 500 active members ranging in ages from 5 and above.

Mission Statement

The work of Blarney United FC is based on the following principles that will guide the development of sport for young people in this club. Children and young people’s experience of soccer should be guided by what is best for the child or young person. The stages of development and the ability of the child should guide the types of activity provided within the club. Adults will need to have a basic understanding of the needs of young people, including physical, emotional and personal.

Fair Play

Fair play is the guiding principle of the Irish Sports Councils Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport.

It states that “all children’s sport should be conducted in an atmosphere of fair play”. Ireland has contributed and is committed to the European Code of Sports Ethics, which defines fair play as: “much more than playing within the rules”.

It incorporates the concepts of friendship, respect for others and always playing with the right spirit. Fair play is defined as a way of thinking, not just behaving. It incorporates issues concerned with the elimination of opportunities, excessive commercialisation and corruption. (European Sports Charter and Code of Ethics, Council of Europe, 1993).

Competition

A balanced approach to competition can make a significant contribution to the development of young people, while at the same time providing fun, enjoyment and satisfaction. Coaches/managers should aim to put the welfare of the child first and competitive standards second. A child-centred approach will help to ensure that competition and specialisation are kept in their appropriate place.