Return to Play
Our junior sides finally returned to training for the first time this week since December but this excitement quickly turned to disappointment when the Junior League Committee announced on Tuesday night that the 2020/21 season is cancelled and will not be completed, with the plan now being to start the new 2021/22 season in early August. Our club and other clubs had advised the Junior Council that we would prefer if the 2020/21 season could be run to its conclusion over the summer months but the decision now appears to be final. This news is very disappointing for our 5 junior sides (U17, U18, A, B & C) and all the players and management involved.

Ironically, the FAI has confirmed that all players at all levels of football in Ireland can engage in full contact outdoor training Monday, May 10, under the new Government guidelines and that matches can start on June 7.

As was the case prior to this lockdown, the club’s health questionnaire MUST be completed by all players/parents before each training session via the Club App. Players must come togged out as the dressing rooms won't be open. Please bring your own labelled water bottles.

ONLY players & coaches are permitted inside the astro-turf. We would ask ALL parents to please NOT CONGREGATE and to stay in your own car on your own if you must stay during training. This may be very important during any Covid tracing procedure.

Lotto
There was no winner of this week’s club’s lotto and the jackpot is now €1,500 with the next draw taking place on Saturday, May 15. Numbers drawn on Saturday, May 1 were 7,12,13,16. Three x €20 lucky dip winners including one online. Mary Finn, Rootiagh (Online), Kieran Ryan, Clare Glens & Peter O’Sullivan, Castlewaller. You can enter the club lotto online at the club’s website https://newporttownafc.clubifyapp.com/products or buy a ticket at our stand in Centra Newport on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings or from any committee member. Thanks to everyone who bought a ticket.

Last One Standing
6 players started round 8 of Last One Standing and all are still standing and go through to round 9, thanks to Liverpool, Man U, Burnley & Palace all winning over the weekend. With games running out, will we have an overall winner or could the €500 end up being shared? Time will tell. The remaining players are Dermot Ryan, Emma Moloney, Eoin Whelan, Gary O'Brien, Jack Dunleavy & John McSherry.

Club App
With the return to play, ALL parents, players & coaches are asked to download the Club App (Club Zap) if they haven't already https://clubzap.com/download?club_id=2096 The app allows better communication between coaches & parents/players and also includes the Covid-19 declaration to be completed before every training session. The app also allows you to stay up to date with club news, fixtures, results, fundraisers and much more.

Old Clothes Collection
Now that Derryleigh Park is re-open, our popular ‘Clothes Collection’ resumes. Are you clearing out wardrobes or de-cluttering? We can help. Drop your bags of clothes, shoes, handbags, blankets & bed linen (NO duvets) to Derryleigh Park, Mon-Fri, 6-9pm and Saturday mornings. Just leave them in sealed bags under the clubhouse canopy and we will recycle them for you. If you have any questions or need bags collected, please contact Tim Coffey on 086 3935244. Spread the word.

Advertising Opportunities in Derryleigh Park
We are now offering businesses & services the opportunity to advertise on customised signage prominently displayed on the astro-turf fencing in Derryleigh Park. With almost 30 teams in the club and close on 500 players, when sport resumes, there will be a high number of visitors to Derryleigh Park every week and this is a great opportunity to promote your business and at the same time, support our club. If you require details of the packages available, please contact any committee member, e-mail secretary@newporttownafc.com or call 087 6504779.