Danny Gallagher

In 1988, Danny was approached by a group of teenage boys who wanted to play football, but had nowhere to play and no league to play in. Danny began to train them, and the Sion Swifts was born. Next, he established the North West Youth League where the new under-17 team could play. Now, two decades on, Danny's hard work and vision has produced a respected club that has become a leading light in Northern Ireland youth sport. Sion Swifts boasts a cross community membership of four hundred boys and girls, with coaches trained to UEFA standards. The 2 hour soccer school every Saturday morning is a sight to behold, with youth of all ages turning up to take part in the training. Over the years, Danny has inspired thousands of children and teenagers across the North West, and continues as a major driving force in local football. Working closely with the local council and schools, he has championed girls' football, with teams achieving outstanding results (U-16 girls were winners of the Northern Ireland Tesco Cup three years in a row). He has helped so many to have pride in themselves, and make positiive contributions to the community. 'I'm probably more passionate about it now than when I started...I get great pleasure going to the pitch for Saturday morning training and seeing it bunged with young people enjoying themselves...Our players have a pride in their club and are proud to pull on the Swifts' jersey; it makes me proud to see that.' (Quote from Danny in local newspaper.)