Salthill Devon and NUIG award scholarships

Salthill Devon and NUI Galway launched their Access Route scholarship programme this week. There are four recipients in this, the first year, of the awards. Three of the recipients will attend the Access Foundation programme and one is starting as an undergraduate in the faculty of Arts.

The programme of scholarships is being funding jointly by the NUIG Foundation and Salthill Devon’s educational partner, Flexible Contract Solutions (FCS – Global).

Welcoming the new scholarships the President of NUIG Dr Jim Browne stressed how important initiatives of this nature are. He went on to outline the growing importance of the Access path into third level education and pointed out that now more than 20% of students entering NUI Galway do not come down the CAO route.

Dr Brown thanked Salthill Devon FC for their continued commitment to their young players and potential players and also their innovative approach. He further acknowledged the vital part played by FCS-Global and the NUIG Foundation, without whose funding this initiative could not go ahead.

Speaking on behalf of Salthill Devon, Chairman Oliver Daniels reiterated the club’s commitment to developing the young players to be the best they can be, both on and off the pitch. He cited the continuing partnerships that the club has forged with NUIG and FCS-Global as indicative of like minded organisations coming together where their combined strength and influence can make a significant difference.

Mike Rowland, managing Director said that his company is young and growing and their partnership with Salthill Devon over the past few years was complimentary to their objectives and when the opportunity to extend their involvement to the scholarship scheme became available he was very happy to oblige. 

“We see our commitment extending over several years and we certainly would like to be onboard with these four recipients until they graduate”

The importance on this announcement in the world of Irish soccer was evidenced by the attendance at the launch of Paddy McCaul, President FAI, John Delaney, CEO FAI, Fran Gavin, director the Airtricity League and Eamon Naughton, chairman of the Airtricity league.

Speaking on behalf of the Football Association of Ireland, president Paddy McCaul said “most people associate the FAI with the fortunes of the international team but the reality is that our relationship with football goes through all aspects of grassroots soccer and programmes such as this are hugely important to us. “

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to Salthill Devon for their work in this initiative. The club continues to show tremendous vision both on and off the field – both FCS-Global and the NUIG Foundation also deserve great praise for their support of this scholarship also.” he added.

The recipients of the scholarship this year are Jason Murphy, captain under 19’s. Jason has been with the club since he was a nipper and personifies what Salthill Devon is all about – developing the young players to be ‘the best they can be’; Enda Curran has played all season with the SD Galway squad and is a gifted goalscorer. He did see some service with both Mervue and Galway United, but he played virtually all his underage football with Salthill Devon and is a product of the Nipper’s Academy also.

Williams Enubele is a Nigerian native who has lived in Galway for some time. He played previously with junior club Oranmore, he is midfield dynamo and has shown that he is a player who can ‘step up’ to the higher level.

Rory Gartlan, is a former underage international player who is currently playing with the Salthill Devon premier league squad, Rory has shrugged some niggley injuries over the past eighteen months and is a quality fullback.

All four players will be part of Salthill Devon’s League of Ireland squad for season 2013.

“These four players are the trailblazers for this programme which we hope will grow and grow,” said club spokesman Pete Kelly.

“Initially the first recipients are all elite players, but the opportunity exists, for individuals who want to pursue a career in coaching, to also apply for this programme. It is open to both male and female, schools leavers and mature students.”