A North Belfast grassroots football club has called for "a bit more respect" for the coaches who volunteer their time and effort every week.
St Patrick's FC caters for approximately 250 boys and girls aged 4 to 17 every week including training sessions and match days.
The club took to Facebook on Wednesday to remind parents that all its coaches work on a voluntary basis and do not receive any payment for their services.
In a message posted on behalf of the club's committee, St Patrick's said: "Over the past couple of weeks there have been a couple of incidents whereby parents have made remarks to coaches such as, ‘they should do what St Patrick’s pay them to do’ & ‘you’re an employee of St Patrick’s’.
"As a club we need to make it very clear to parents that there’s not one coach/volunteer involved in St Patrick’s FC that receive a wage or is indeed employed by us, anybody that comes through the gates to help with the development of your son/daughter does so as a volunteer.
"These volunteers give up a lot of time to coach your kids with many giving up two nights a week to train and at least a Saturday/Sunday or sometimes both to take your kids to games.
"Hopefully now that you’ve been made aware that this is a voluntary role for everyone involved the coaches will start to get a bit of respect for the time that they invest in your kids. Thank you."
St Patrick's committee member and 2009 age group coach Gerard McFadden said it was important to remind parents of the voluntary work being done at the club.
He told Belfast Live: "I have been with the club for three years, and I have experienced it myself. Passing comments and stuff.
"I think over the past couple of weeks it has happened a few times. The club just felt it was right to put it out there that we are all volunteers at the end of the day. We are there because their kids are there. I have about 23 kids in my 2009 group.
"It is a volunteering thing. I don't know where people get this idea from that we all get paid. I think if we had as many parents volunteering to coach as we had giving off, then we wouldn't have a problem getting new coaches through the doors."
St Patrick's accommodates approximately 250 kids through various age ranks, from nursery age up to their oldest team at Under 17.
They also have between 30-40 coaches as well as volunteers who help out on match days.
"Some of the volunteers might just help out with tying laces, especially with the younger kids, or if someone gets hurt," Gerard added.
"I was doing it on my own for a while with 18-20 kids, but I have another couple of fellas helping me out now. The more people we can get to volunteer and help the better it is for the club.
"We need as much support as we can get, because it is tough. We need more and more coaches, because 250-260 kids is a lot to accommodate.
"We also train Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights at Girdwood. So each team would have two training sessions a week, and then their games at the weekend.
"There is so much more work involved, such as administration and ordering kits for the kids. It is like having another job on top of your job.
"Some parents don't see the amount of work involved with keeping one team going. It stretches beyond two training sessions and a match day.
"I am on the committee and it takes a lot of work to even keep the club going. But we do it because we love it, and that's the only reason we do it.
"And without people volunteering the club wouldn't exist. We need people willing to give up their time to help out with the club during the week and at weekends.
"We don't expect praise or pats on the back, but we would just ask some parents to be more considerate to what goes into running a club."
A number of parents and other football coaches replied to St Patrick's Facebook post to add their support.
One said: "Well done to all involved and all volunteer coaches. Rain, Sleet, Snow and Sun you give up your time."
Another added: "Well said St Pat's. Volunteers are priceless especially when coaching someone's son/daughter for the love of football."
Gerard added: "It is encouraging to see the comments.
"You're a football coach, but you are also an ear for the young kids. Sometimes the role takes on a life on its own.
"And it is just a small minority of people who sometimes criticise. I got it before, and it was never anything malicious. But it was about 'how much you get paid' and things like that. And it happens at other clubs.
"Some people take it for granted that we're down there from 6-8pm on week nights. They think we must be getting paid for it, but that's not the case. We do it because we love it.
"I am with my team for over three years now, and we do a lot of things outside of the club. You do it for the kids and hopefully progress them, on and off the pitch."
