Former Newry boss Mullen doing his bit to help Southern Area Hospice
He's offering coaching sessions to raise vital funds for the charity
Former Newry City AFC Manager Darren Mullen has come up with a novel way to raise money for one of the most important charities in his local area.
The UEFA Pro Licence Coach, who stepped down at the end of last season after 10 years at the helm of City, is offering free coaching sessions to clubs of any age and any level in return for a donation to the Southern Area Hospice.
"It's something that I've thought about from missing the coaching side of it, just to get back into it. My wife Diane works for the Hospice and I know how important it is. The facility at the Hospice is invaluable and they need that constant source of funding. Whatever I can provide, no matter how small, will be welcome," said Mullen.
"The sessions will be tailored to the clubs need. It could be a fun session for the kids or it could be a more tactical session for an older team. Hopefully players and coaches as well can benefit."
Kit manufacturers Playr-Fit, who are based in the city, have also come on board to lend their support.
"When Darren from Playr-Fit heard about it, he kindly offered to make a kit for it with the Hospice logo on it. It shows the community get involved in the area and it gets the Hospice logo out there," added Mullen, who says he's in no rush to get back into the management side of things.
Having played a significant role in reforming Newry, he led the club to four promotions in five seasons back to the Premiership. After securing their top-flight status at the end of the last campaign, he stepped down.
"I've been glad of the break, but I do miss the coaching side of it - not the management! This will give me the opportunity to get back into and do some good at the same time," he admitted.
"I was a coach before I was a manager and I've always enjoyed the coaching side of it, so this is a good way of getting back into it without the pressure of being attached to one club. The next best thing to playing it coaching so I'm looking forward to it."
To book in your session, contact Darren directly at darrenmullen72@googlemail.com or message the Southern Area Hospice Facebook page.