Some football clubs are synonymous with drama, almost as if it’s interwoven into their DNA. Teams who light up damp, dreary nights with performances that live long in the memory. As we reach the midpoint of the season, and with three teams – the Saturday team (the seconds), the Sunday team (the firsts) and then the student team – all competing in various leagues, Dublin University Association Football Club (DUAFC) has given rise to enough excitement to fit that bill. Led by Adam Firych’s management team of Adam Toal, Ray O’Malley and Benjamin Benois, rarely has football in Trinity been surrounded by such a buzz.
Despite a sluggish start to the season, floundering on zero points after five games, the Sunday side have recently sparked into life. Competing in the Leinster Senior League (LSL) Sunday 1A division, the team have collected five points from their last five games, including a hard-fought 2-2 draw against league leaders Newtown Rangers. The side have hauled themselves from the bottom of the table and now lie only a point inside the relegation zone with a game in hand over their closest rivals, Peamount United.
By contrast, the Saturday side have exploded out of the blocks this season and are currently gearing up for an enthralling promotion battle in the LSL Saturday Major 1 division. A team full of attacking talent, a 6-0 defeat of St Patrick’s in August showcased their huge potential. Despite a disappointing defeat to promotion rivals Swords Celtic on Saturday, Trinity remain well in the mix at the top of the league, sitting in fifth place with a game in hand over league leaders, Colepark United.
Speaking to The University Times by email, the club’s new manager, Adam Firych, struck an optimistic tone as he reviewed the first half of his debut season in charge of the club. “The boys really work hard for each other and we are getting better in this aspect after every game.”
While praising the attitude of the group, Firych is labouring under no illusions with regard to the challenge the Sunday team is facing: “We are aware of [the] difficult situation we are in, especially with Sunday team but things are improving and I think we are going in the right direction.” Acknowledging the high standard of the league, he hopes that recent results are a sign the tide may be changing. The recent draw against Newtown is evidence that on the right day, this team can hold their own against any side.
Firych emphasises that variety in training is a key part of his strategy, suggesting that this diversity is one of the main reasons players stay hungry. Motivated by a full complement of coaches, including a goalkeeping coach, and with access to facilities both in college and in Parnells GAA club, every discipline is catered for.
While managers in a new job often concentrate on the problems at hand, Firych has a clear long-term vision for the club and what he needs to do in the second half of the season to make that happen. Chief among his goals is growing the club with carefully chosen additions: “Only last week we got five requests from other players willing to join us.” He relishes the prospect of competition in the dressing room: “We need to make sure that new players can bring something extra and they are able to commit and ready for hard training sessions with high intensity.”
Emphasising the importance of a good atmosphere, Firych will expect loyalty and commitment from potential recruits. “Every player has to show that he cares about Trinity and is ready to play for other players and staff”, he says. The club is also excited about the visit of Oxford University Football Club in January for what should be an entertaining friendly.
Setting lofty goals for his sides, Firych wants to see the Sunday team build on recent good form and avoid relegation, ultimately hoping the side claim an unexpected place in the top 10. Promotion success will be the order of the day for the Saturday side, an achievement that will require considerable effort on the part of the players. Finally, the aim for the student team is to excel in various cup competitions, and there is an overwhelming desire to bridge a 37-year wait for success in the Collingwood Cup.
With good coaching and a strong team spirit, which Trinity have in abundance, a lot can be achieved in football. The prospect of both a relegation scrap and promotion shootout makes DUAFC an exciting club to watch next year.
