With the likes of Clonmel Town, Ferrybank and Two-Mile Borris St Kevins FC have already been announced by SSE Airtricity League First Division leaders Waterford FC as club partners this week, one of the big names locally to join the list is Leinster Cup quarter-finalists Thomastown United.
Having redeveloped United Park in recent months, Thomastown have a membership of of well over 300 adults and children, with two junior teams, an over 35 team, a youth team, a ladies team and a thriving schoolboys and schoolgirls section catering for all age groups. Thomastown also run a soccer school each weekend for 5-7 year olds and the FAI Soccer Sisters scheme for girls.
The club has been making great strides at underage level over recent years and also host many FAI Development Programmes within their complex. Their junior team this year competed in the Leinster Senior Cup defeating Shamrock Rovers in the competition before eventually losing to Dundalk.
Welcoming Thomastown United into the Club Partnership Programme, Waterford FC Director of Football Pat Fenlon commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Thomastown United into our new club partnership programme. Whilst Kilkenny is of course well known for its hurling exploits, Kilkenny has also been thriving in football over the last number of years with plenty of players playing League of Ireland football from the county. Thomastown have really developed strongly over the last few years and we look forward to having them on board with us.”
When contacted, Thomastown chairman Paul Doyle expressed his delight at the arrangement.
“Thomastown United were delighted to be asked to become a Club Partner for Waterford Fc. Not only will this partnership benefit our players but also our coaches”, said Doyle.
“One of our own Colm Whelan is making massive strides in Waterford at the moment and maybe in the near future we will have a lot more players pulling on the Blue & White of Waterford FC and testing themselves in the League of Ireland. We are really looking forward to working closely with Waterford FC in the future.”
Thomastown head to the Fairgreen to take on Freebooters in the Premier Division Cup final this Saturday evening at 6.30pm. Waterford FC host Cabinteely at the RSC this Friday night at 7.45pm.
