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Media Kit: Archived Press Releases
Shell Shockers Honored by Northern Ireland Managerial Legend
May 30, 2006Shell Shockers’ Head Coach Kenny Farrell has returned to New Orleans with a message of support from the elite of international soccer to sports fans in the storm-battered city.
Farrell was invited to a Chicago training session held by the Northern Ireland national team who were on a two-match US tour. While there he got to see first-hand the methods and techniques used by professionals who have reached the pinnacle of the world’s most popular sport.
He traveled with the squad to the practice ground and then got the chance to chat with their coach, former European star Lawrie Sanchez. He presented him with a Shell Shockers’ shirt bearing the number 10 - the number Sanchez wore when he scored the winning goal in the famous FA Cup Final victory against English soccer aristocrats Liverpool in 1987.
Farrell said Wednesday: “It was great to see players who have reached the very top of the game at such close quarters. Their drills and exercises are similar to those we use but were performed at a lightening pace.
“Afterwards Lawrie asked me about the recovery in Southern Louisiana post-Katrina and I explained how kids and adults alike have a battle even to find a green space to play on. He said to pass on his best wishes to everyone working both on and off the field to get sport back to normal.
“He seemed moved that we had a uniform printed up especially for him and said he was delighted to host me as a representative of the storm-ravaged Gulf Coast region.”
The afternoon training session took place at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and in the evening Farrell was a guest of the Irish Football Association at the international exhibition game between Northern Ireland and Romania at Soldier’s Field. Northern Ireland were recently the toast of world soccer after defeating David Beckham’s England who are second favorites behind Brazil to win the World Cup which starts next week.
While in the Windy City Farrell also met IFA representatives to explore possible joint coaching and marketing ventures. IFA Head of Marketing Geoff Wilson said he is keen to expand their presence in the United States and tap into the tens of millions of Americans who have Irish descendants.
Farrell added: “The IFA could not have been more welcoming and I am excited about some of the ideas we talked about. I hope we will be able to set up merchandising and soccer camp agreements which will benefit both Northern Ireland and the Shell Shockers.”