Kate and Ciara

A dynamic duo of young women who have become player-coaches whilst still aged in their teens, can be found at a progressive Co Louth soccer club.

Albion Rovers FC in Monasterboice prides itself on a community ethos at its Muirdeach Park grounds.

Fielding girls’ and boys’ as well as women’s and men’s teams, Albion Rovers aims to accommodate all who want to play, rather than producing all-conquering sides.

For its underage members, it especially seeks to build life skills and confidence through participation.

Player-coaches Ciara Floyd (19) and Kate Russell (18), who line-out with senior ladies as well as coaching the under-9 boys, have emerged as role-models.

Both are conscious that real success is not measured in trophies or titles, but rather by happy children each getting a chance to play.

For Kate, who prepared for her Leaving Certificate in these uncertain times, Muirdeach Park is a place where she can put aside the demands of study.

Ciara, who joined the club aged 13, says she finds immense reward in seeing children develop both social and soccer skills.

“My previous club did not have a girls’ team, so I had to train with the boys. A friend suggested Albion Rovers to me,” said Ciara.

“The coaching began by accident, there was an under-age blitz and I was asked to help out. I would strongly encourage any girl who is asked to help, to try it.

“It is very rewarding to see children make new friends and develop their skills. Our coaching involves 5-a-side games for which we do not keep scores.”

Ciara and Kate both believe the women’s game should be better promoted.

“More exposure would increase participation,” said Ciara. "The FAI should look to further develop the girls’ game in schools and establish more leagues for women.

“More women playing now will allow the sport become more accessible to girls in the future.”

Away from the pitch, Ciara keeps a keen eye on both the Irish and USA women’s teams, as well as Manchester City and Liverpool in the FA Women’s Super League and Championship, respectively.

Her friend, and fellow Ireland and Liverpool fan Kate, was introduced to Albion Rovers by her dad, Paul, when she was 10.

“My dad was a coach, and my brother Adam played for a boys’ team. When I heard a girls’ side was starting, I wanted to play.

“I played Gaelic football up to under-16, but, with school and other commitments, I felt I should choose one sport.

“I enjoyed soccer more, particularly as I got the opportunity to meet girls from outside my village.

“I had also started coaching at Albion Rovers at that stage, helping dad with the boys’ under-9s, including my brother Conor, and also coaching at Easter and summer camps.

“I helped him for about 18 months and really enjoyed it. Dad gradually let me take more responsibility, setting up and running drills, and giving input on match day.

“As I became more confident, I volunteered to coach at the Easter and summer camps. These were great experiences.

“I started out at the camps as an assistant, working alongside an experienced coach and then becoming a lead with my own group.

“The club then asked Ciara and I to take the boys’ under-8s in 2020. We were delighted. We started with just six boys, but have built the squad to over 25.

“It is all about encouraging children to enjoy the experience and play as part of a team. Everyone gets equal playing time because we are also trying to improve the boys as players.

“If girls get to see the opportunities available and feel the positivity around the game, more will get involved. I would say to any girl who is interested, ‘give it a go.’

“I have found Albion Rovers to be a very welcoming and supportive club which provides equal opportunities to me as a player and coach.

“Football is a place to escape the stress of school and have fun with my friends. While playing is good for physical fitness, it is great to meet new people and be part of a team.

“Coaching is very rewarding. We get great satisfaction from seeing children enjoy soccer and improving, be it boys or girls.

“Albion Rovers has given me the same opportunities as any male coach. Some people might have been sceptical of our coaching abilities at first, but not anymore.”