President Mary McAleese has been visiting Londonderry

The president's first stop was to Institute football club which is celebrating its centenary year.

She met club officials and paid tribute to all those involved in providing sporting opportunities for the young.

The president then attended an event hosted by Prehen Boathouse Youth Club, visited Altnagelvin Hospital and gave an address in St Columb's College.

Accompanied by her husband Martin, Mrs McAleese's first stop on Tuesday was to the Drumahoe-based club.

She heaped praise on the club which plans to raise �1m for new facilities, including a new stand and changing rooms.

It then hopes to play host to European football.

Right direction

Club spokesman Robert Ferris said in the past 10 years moved from a junior club to a senior club in the north west.

"We're ambitious to the fact that we know we can achieve what we are going for," he said.

Institute's French-born manager, Pascal Vaudequin said everyone was pulling in the right direction.

"If you don't have the proper tools to work with, you cannot do a good job," he said.

"This board of directors at the moment are totally aware of the situation.

"They are doing a very good job."