Council Chair hosts reception for Omagh Futsal Club

Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Thomas O’Reilly, hosted a reception for Omagh Futsal Club in recognition of their achievements in recent months.

The following is a copy of the Chair’s speech from the reception:

Good evening Councillors, ladies and gentlemen

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all to The Grange, Omagh for this reception in honour of Omagh Futsal Club which has had a number of achievements in recent months.

I believe this is the first reception in honour of a Futsal Team and I am delighted that, as well as recognising your achievements, it is also an opportunity to promote the Futsal and the benefits it brings.

I understand the Club was established in 2017 by current Chairman Martin Cassidy given  you background in Futsal and community development.  Assisting in the development of the Club was David Alonso, UEFA A Licensed Head Coach.

The Club is open to juniors and seniors providing opportunities  to be more active and socially inclusive.  Alongside your main programme, you also offer disability Futsal, over 35s, refugee integration, female only and schools and colleges good relations programmes.

The Club has enjoyed success recently holding the titles of National Plate Winners, Irish Football Association Futsal Club of the Year, NI Futsal Federation Club of the Year and Sport NI Project of the Year.  In addition several players have represented the Club and country at International Level.

An important aspect of the Club is the Volunteers and I understand your ethos is respect and teamwork, which are important values in all aspects of our lives.  Martin, your volunteer work and commitment to the Club was recently recognised when you were awarded the Irish Futsal Federation Volunteer of the Year award.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is committed to ensuring that our people are healthy and well physically, mentally and emotionally.  Omagh Futsal Club is helping us to achieve this by promoting fitness, advance education and social development for everyone in the Fermanagh and Omagh area.

As well as physical activity, you also offer activities to promote positive mental and emotional wellbeing and encourage people to learn or develop new skills including catching, hand-eye coordination, balance, running and jumping.

I would like to commend Martin and David for having the initiative to establish the Club and bringing Futsal to the Fermanagh and Omagh area to allow our residents the opportunity to participate in the sport locally.

I would also like to commend the Volunteers on your work and commitment to the Club.  Without the assistance of volunteers, Clubs can struggle to survive, therefore, you play a key role.

I would like to commend all the Members who have enjoyed success recently bringing National and International recognition to the Club and the District.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to wish you continued success in the future.  I am confident that with the enthusiasm, commitment and skill shown by all those involved, you will continue to go from strength to strength.

Thank you.