Girls' training academy to open in honour of Louth teen

Irish international Megan Campbell is set to open a girls' training academy in honour of a teenager who died after taking ill during a soccer match in Co Louth last year.

Drogheda native Campbell will officially open the Zara Murphy Academy on Sunday, in honour of the 13-year-old who fell ill and died while playing a match for Termonfeckin Celtic FC last July.

Zara's sudden death stunned the wider football community and left her parents, coaches and teammates devastated.

Now, with the consent of her family, her coaches have decided to open a football centre of learning for young girls as a legacy to the skilfull striker, who dreamed of one day playing for Ireland.

The club has said the aim of the academy is to give 300 girls, aged between five and nine, from all over Co Louth the opportunity to play football while keeping Zara's memory alive.

Zara's coaches at Termonfeckin Celtic Football Club (L-R: Niall Walsh, Ronan Quinn, Lisa Walsh and Gareth Murphy)

The young teenager had played for Termonfeckin Celtic FC at both the under-13 and under-14 level and the funding for the academy has so far been raised by her teammates.

Zara had scored 27 goals in just half a season for the club before she passed away. She idolised Campbell so much that she took Megan as her confirmation name just months before her death.

Ahead of officially opening the academy this weekend Campbell, a centre back for the Republic of Ireland who also plays for London City Lionesses, paid tribute to Zara.

Zara Murphy pictured with Ireland international Megan Campbell

"To open an academy in Zara's name shows the impact that football has had on Zara's life, but more importantly of how much of an impact that Zara has had on the footballing community in Termonfeckin and beyond," Campbell said.

"It will serve as a constant reminder of the amazing and talented young girl that Zara was and for the community of young girls and boys, the academy will serve as a way to play the sport they love every day in her honour and that is truly something special.

"I have no doubt that Zara is watching over proudly and supporting her new academy with the best view of all.

"To be able to give so many young girls and boys the chance to express themselves through a sporting academy such as this and to see the community come together in recognition of Zara's life is inspiring and important," Campbell added.

The official opening of the Zara Murphy Academy will take place on Sunday at 3pm at the grounds of Termonfeckin Celtic FC.

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