Students at Immaculate Conception (IC) School, 4030 Jackson St. NE, had some special guests from Ireland on Friday, March 15 and no, it didn’t have anything to do with St. Patrick’s Day.
The guests were Ger O’Brien and Alan Mathews from St. Patrick’s Athletic football club of Dublin, Ireland, and they were in town for a game with Minnesota United. They were invited to Immaculate Conception by former Minnesota Viking Matt Birk, who is an investor in the Irish team and has paid several visits to the school.
Mathews is the Saints’ technical director, similar to Khaled El-Ahmad, the chief soccer officer and sporting director for the Loons. O’Brien heads up the team’s academy, which teaches soccer to young people. Both men have played on professional teams in Ireland; O’Brien played five seasons with the Saints.
They soon found themselves surrounded by kids eager to learn a few tips.
The students came out to IC’s soccer pitch in classes, middle schoolers first. O’Brien noted the giggles as he talked. “You’re laughing at my accent,” he said. “Did you think we would look like leprechauns?”
The kids giggled some more, but got down to work on passing and dribbling with their feet. Some of the more experienced soccer players practiced stopping the ball with their chest or redirecting it with their head. Mathews rewarded them with a “Well done!”
A dribbling exercise quickly became competitive and Principal Jane Bona was called in to declare a winner.
Students in the lower grades followed, ending the morning with five- and six-year-olds.
On Wednesday, March 20, the Minnesota United will play a friendly game against St. Patrick’s Athletic at Allianz Field in St. Paul.
Daniella and Eyoel were among the younger soccer learners. (Cynthia Sowden)
Ger O’Brien was mobbed by students who wanted him to autograph their shoes. (Cynthia Sowden)
Alan Mathews coached students. (Cynthia Sowden)
O’Brien talks about technique with Melat, Sonja, Matilda, Lila and Joseph. (Cynthia Sowden)
A dribbling exercise soon became competitive between Nathan, Julian and Tony, Principal Jane Bona was called in to referee. (Cynthia Sowden)
Bitania dribbles a ball with her feet. (Cynthia Sowden)
Robel stops a ball with his chest. (Cynthia Sowden)