Formed in 1996, Malahide United Nippers Academy is the starting block for young children - both boys and girls. Its purpose is to introduce our future stars to the game of football through a fun, safe and enjoyable environment. The idea is to awaken an interest in football at an early age with importance being placed on fun and participation not to mention fair play.

At present we have 140 nippers between the ages of 5 and 7. Because of the huge interest in joining Malahide United a waiting list has been put in place. Looking after such a number of kids is no easy task and without Lisa Coleman and her backroom team not to mention the volunteer coaches/parents it would not be possible. Getting involved with the nippers can also prove to be a great starting point for any parent wishing to get involved in coaching and are always welcome. Please check here.

The format for the nippers is a fun warm-up, followed by fun drills and finishes with some fun small sided matches. To encourage the children, 'Player of the Morning' trophies are distributed to certain children in each age group, in recognition of their efforts and improvement. Its works out that all the children end up winning the 'Player of the Morning' trophy at some time over the season!!!

The progress of the children during the year is unbelievable.

The nippers train every Saturday (in most weather conditions!) in Gannon Park between 10.30am - 12.30pm beginning in early September through until early May excluding a 4-6 week winter break and bank holiday weekends.

Click here to find out how to join the Nippers Academy

The Nippers League Gala Day was a great a success and I would like to thank everybody involved. Special thanks to Tony ‘Dicey’ Reilly, Lorcan Mooney and all of the coaches, whose dedication and commitment to The Nippers League is outstanding.

The Nippers League was absolutely delighted to win the ‘Unsung Hero’ award in the recent Malahide Sports Awards and I would like to thank Dave Feenan for taking the time to send in our nomination. Our Chairman, Don Butler and myself attended the awards ceremony in Malahide Rugby Club and thanks to Councillor Darragh O’ Brien and Karen O’ Donnell, organiser of the awards, for re-presenting the award last Saturday to ‘Dicey’, Lorcan and all of The Nippers League at our Gala Day.

On a personal note, due to work commitments, I have finished as Administrator of The Nippers League Academy after 11 years. I have really enjoyed the role and have seen dramatic changes to the club over that time. When I began, we had no clubhouse – Nippers registration forms were filled in at the side of the pitch in rain, hail or snow! There was no all weather pitch so The Nippers often finished their practice covered in mud from head to toe. There was no club shop, Peadar Carpenter and myself sold fleeces and tops at the side of the pitch from black plastic bags! (Rumour has it that we were called Rodney and Dell Boy!) We have come a long way and I am proud to be associated with such a wonderful club. It’s a testament to the hard work of those involved, that so many changes have taken place over a short number of years.

Peadar Carpenter asked me to take on the role of Nippers Administrator and I would like to personally thank him for taking the time, 11 years on, to attend our Gala Day and make a speech and presentation to me on behalf of the club.

I would like to thank Don Butler and all on the Executive Committee for giving such great support to the Nippers League and myself over the years.

Kindest regards and thanks to all, Noelle Brooks.

Nippers League Gala Day 06th May, 2006

There was a great turn-out of children and parents for the end of the Nippers season 2005/2006. All the children received a trophy in recognition of their hard work and commitment during the season, with overall skills winners in each age group.

In particular, I would like to thank our President Tony Gibney, Chairman Don Butler and Club Secretary Alison Elebert for taking the time to attend the Gala Day to participate in the presentation of prizes. Their commitment and support of the Nippers League is very much appreciated.

Don Butler summed up the occasion very well when he said that the Nippers Gala Day was one of his favourite occasions within the club, as these young boys and girls are the future of Malahide United A.F.C.

Many thanks to the coaches and parents who helped make this a very enjoyable and successful season for the Nippers. A special word of thanks to Lorcan Mooney, Val Russell and Tony ‘Dicey’ Reilly for their commitment and dedication to the Nippers league. Also many thanks to Anne Marie Horan.

We are also very grateful to our webmaster Paul Furey for his time in taking all of photographs of the Nippers League presentations and putting them up on our website.

CLICK HERE FOR PICTURES THE NIPPERS GALA DAY 2006

All of children went off happy, clutching their trophies and several bars of chocolate and drinks. Thanks to Joe Cashin for organising the treats. Also, we are very grateful as always to Cadbury Ireland for their generous contribution of goodies to the Nippers League.

Finally, thanks to Peadar Carpenter, who still keeps a close link with the Nippers League and organises all of the trophies each year. We are extremely grateful for his time.

The Nippers League returns on Saturday, 9th September. Children being brought into the club from the waiting list will receive a call from myself in August.

Have a great summer. Thanks and best wishes to all!
Noelle Brooks, Administrator,
Malahide United A.F.C. Nippers League.

The winners are....(click here for photos)

7 age group
Winner - Lucase Keegan
2nd - John Furlong
3rd - Paul Sheridan

6 age group
Winner - Neil O' Connor
2nd - Amy Ewing
3rd - Mikey Dowling

5 age group
Winner - Alaistair Loughrey
2nd - Ciaran Furey
3rd - John Byrne

All the winners received Smyths Toy Store vouchers and runners up received selection boxes. We would like to thank the Executive Committee of Malahide United for sponsoring these prizes. We would also like to thank all our footballers who entered the competition and to those that downloaded the pictures.

Noelle.