North Belfast football club hits back at criticism of 'volunteer' coaches

A North Belfast grassroots football club has called for "a bit more respect" for the coaches who volunteer their time and effort every week.

St Patrick's FC caters for approximately 250 boys and girls aged 4 to 17 every week including training sessions and match days.

The club took to Facebook on Wednesday to remind parents that all its coaches work on a voluntary basis and do not receive any payment for their services.

In a message posted on behalf of the club's committee, St Patrick's said: "Over the past couple of weeks there have been a couple of incidents whereby parents have made remarks to coaches such as, ‘they should do what St Patrick’s pay them to do’ & ‘you’re an employee of St Patrick’s’.

"As a club we need to make it very clear to parents that there’s not one coach/volunteer involved in St Patrick’s FC that receive a wage or is indeed employed by us, anybody that comes through the gates to help with the development of your son/daughter does so as a volunteer.

"These volunteers give up a lot of time to coach your kids with many giving up two nights a week to train and at least a Saturday/Sunday or sometimes both to take your kids to games.

"Hopefully now that you’ve been made aware that this is a voluntary role for everyone involved the coaches will start to get a bit of respect for the time that they invest in your kids. Thank you."

St Patrick's committee member and 2009 age group coach Gerard McFadden said it was important to remind parents of the voluntary work being done at the club.

He told Belfast Live: "I have been with the club for three years, and I have experienced it myself. Passing comments and stuff.

"I think over the past couple of weeks it has happened a few times. The club just felt it was