'Giant in the game' football coach honoured with mural

One of Londonderry's most prominent football coaches has been honoured with a giant mural beside the park named after him by the local council.

The late Jon Clifford, who was affectionately known as "Ugg" founded Tristar Boys' FC in 1974 to let young people play football.

It was a time of civil unrest in the city and he is credited with giving players a positive focus while the backdrop of the Troubles raged around them.

One former player, who later went on to become a coach, said that Ugg stopped some young people getting involved in the violence and going to prison due to the attraction of the flourishing club.

On of Clifford's hand written notes about a trip to London

Tristar FC - as it is now known - has 600 players – 400 boys and almost 200 girls, and 80 coaching staff and committee members.

The new mural has been painted on a gable wall beside the old Bull Park which was once a gravel surface and where Clifford based his teams.

He was regularly seen lifting rubbish and brushing away glass before training sessions and matches.

He was described as a "one man band" and would walk miles to deliver hand written messages, usually on post cards, informing players about the next training session or competitive match.

Garry Matthewson says Ugg was "ahead of his time"

"He was a great diversion to what was going on at that time," former player and coach Garry Matthewson said.

He described Ugg as "ahead of his time" as he took the Derry youngsters into loyalist areas in Belfast to play football, developing cross community links.

He was unusual too in that he was a big Glasgow Rangers supporter from a Nationalist area of the city.

Ugg is credited with giving players a positive focus while The Troubles was ongoing in the city

A group of former and current players and officials gathered for the launch of the mural beside the park on the edge of the Bogside.

His family described it as a lovely tribute to a man who dedicated his life to generations of young players.

Tristar FC provides competitive and non-competitive games through the IFA small games development, the Derry and District League and the National League.

Children from Under 5 to Under 18 are coached, helping them gain confidence to help them cope much better with life outside of the football club.

Clifford died in September 2011 and the club believes he would be proud of the legacy he has helped nurture and develop.

'A great mentor to me'

Club Coach Ryan Horner described Jon Clifford as "a giant in the game"

Club Coach Ryan Horner, who has been at the club since he was six, said that the remaining members wanted to honour Ugg by keeping the club vibrant.

He said the mural and park were to "mark and show the respect that we had for him and the legacy that he's left".

"He was a giant in the game. Listening to older players it's clear that during the 70s when Derry was going through a turbulent time with the Troubles he kept a lot of young men out of trouble."

It's not easy keeping a club like Tristar going at this scale.

It's a challenge faced by many sporting organisations who have to recruit coaches and volunteers to help with the running of the various teams.

From coaching to washing kits and organising transport and raising funds it's a big operation.

Roisin Beasley says the club is so grateful to its volunteers

It demands a lot of commitment, according to Roisin Beasley, who looks after the Under 14 girls' team.

She said volunteers put in a huge amount of their personal time, which is greatly appreciated.

"We've got a great community in Tristar and that's what's makes it such a beautiful club to be part of."

She said it is very difficult to get volunteers and they have to rely on a lot of good will particularly from parents.

"People are coming from their nine to five jobs or their shift work and they are coming straight into volunteering and giving up their time to make sure that we have these sort of opportunities available to children. It is unbelievable."

Clara said she loves all the coaches and the Tristar community

For the young people who benefit it has become such an important part of their lives.

Clara, 12, said she loves all the coaches and the Tristar community.

"I love going to training with all my friends and going to matches all around Ireland and we went to a tournament in England as well. It's just so much fun."

Centre-half Zara says football is the highlight of her week

Centre-half Zara, 13, said football is the highlight of her week.

"I love Tristar because you get to train three times a week with all your friends and you get to go all across Ireland and England as well as we go there to play in tournaments and have many matches.

"It helps my overall fitness as I also do running outside of school."

Tom has been playing since he was three-years-old

Tom, who is 13 and plays in midfield said football is simply a pleasure which he has been playing since he was a three-year-old.

"Training every week. Matches on the weekend. My whole life goes around football."

'It means everything to me'

Centre-forward Ryan is carrying on his family's footsteps as his dad and uncle both played for Tristar FC

Ryan, 11, is an enthusiastic Tristar centre-forward.

His dad and uncles have all played for Tristar and he is following in their footsteps.

"It's probably the best club in the town. I've been playing since I was three and the buzz is great and it's my life really.

"It means everything to me."