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Leicester City beat Ireland in the Elite Group Umbro Galway Cup
2008
Leicester V Ireland - U15 Elite Cup
Final
The top U15 Elite teams in the 4th International
Umbro Galway Cup 2008 met in the Finches cup final on Saturday afternoon
with Leicester City coming out as winners against the FAI Development
squad at the Drom Soccer Park (2-0). The Galway Cup is now a major
contributor to the promotion of sports in Ireland, and the generator
of substantial tourism revenues for the City of Galway. Over 2,000
people participated in this years tournament and a further 10,000
attended the Drom Soccer Park soccer grounds to capture the action
during the week.
An exciting Finches Elite Group final was in store
and there wasn't much between the sides until five minutes before
the break. The FAI squad had lost striker Daniel Purdy by that stage
to injury, after he was forced to be substituted, and his loss –
together with the absence of another front-man, David Murphy –
meant they were robbed of two key attackers. Miles and Joyce grabbed
the goals for Leicester in a three-minute spell as half-time approached.
The week's work proved a vital learning experience for the FAI squad.
All of the players were drawn from the FAI's Emerging Talent centres
from around Ireland and got the opportunity to hone their skills
against some of the best Academy teams from English clubs.
Former Republic of Ireland International Ray Houghton, who was recently
appointed as an FAI Ambassador, was in attendance at finals day
in Galway and praised the organisers of the Umbro Galway Cup for
running such a fantastic tournament. "The Umbro Galway Cup
international tournament enables young home-based and overseas players
to learn new skills, connect with great football clubs and develop
soccer techniques within a professional environment," he said.
"It was great to see the Ireland emerging talent team perform
so well at this week's Umbro Galway Cup. The quality of competition
was very high and they more than held their own over the week's
matches."
The Galway Cup is considered one of the leading underage soccer
competitions around the globe. It is a member of the Umbro International
tournament group since January 2006 along with the Donosti Cup in
San Sebastian in Spain, the Dana Cup in Denmark and the Dublin Cup,
among others.

Leicester youngsters prove too strong for Irish counterparts
By Rory Ginty
Leicester V Ireland - U15 Elite Cup Final
The U15 Elite Cup Final sponsored by Finches pitted the heavyweights
of Leicester against the emerging Ireland setup. It was nearly a
case of Ireland v Ireland as Leicester fielded five Irish youngsters
in their starting line-up. Both teams produced consistent polished
performances in their route to the final and still looked fresh
upon kick-off after the hectic week. The match was played in an
extremely competitive manner despite what can only be described
as an absolute deluge of rain during the match. Both teams need
to be applauded for attempting to play football on the ground in
these conditions.
Leicester midfielder Liam Moore was imposing his
physical presence on the game from the off with some sterling challenges
and eye-catching free kicks. However, Moore’s team mate Theo
Brown changed the game on 15 minutes when he made a classic wingers
run down the left hand side and crossed for Ellis Turbett who appeared
to be leaning back and losing balance but managed to hit one of
the sweetest volleys you are likely to see into the top corner.
Ireland seemed dumbstruck by this opener and never really settled
the ship because five minutes later Jacob Joyce of Leicester took
advantage of confusion in the Irish box and was able to nod in from
a corner.
Ireland went searching for goals in the second
half but ultimately lacked bite in the final third of the pitch
where it really mattered. In fairness, the conditions did make a
difference but Leicester just handled it better. Leicester for their
part did not panic at any stage and stroked the ball about quite
beautifully at times. The final result was 2-0 to Leicester and
they could go back to England knowing they made a huge impression
on the watching Galway crowd this week.

Salthill Derby Produces a Thriller
By Rory Ginty
Salthill Devon 91 V Salthill Devon 92 - U17 Cup
Final
The U-17 Cup Final sponsored by Ford Motorpark
produced one of the most memorable encounters in the short history
of the Umbro Galway Cup. It ended up been a club derby as it was
contested by two Salthill Devon teams, SDFC91 and SDFC92. However,
SDFC92 appeared to be at a disadvantage from the kick off as their
opponents were not only an age group older but also physically superior.
SDFC92 knew they would have to dig deep to pull off a potential
upset. Within ten minutes of the first half it became even tougher,
a cross from the right hand side by SDFC91 appeared to be going
out of play but the windy conditions held the ball dangling in the
air just long enough for Brian Gaffney to execute a superb volley
from an extremely tight angle to make it 1 – 0. A heavy shower
during the 1st half made it difficult for both teams to play fluid
football and time tackles properly, however both teams were creating
decent chances to score.
Things got progressively worse for the younger
SDFC92 team 10 minutes into the 2nd half when yet again Brian Gaffney
scored. Although he will probably admit it was a supposed to be
a cross, he used the wind superbly to his advantage and swung in
a fantastic free kick that ended up in the net.
For the last 15 minutes the elder SDFC91 appeared
to take their foot off the gas as they were in a comfortable 2 –0
position. This would prove to be their undoing as SDFC92 were allowed
back into a match that they were fairly much out of. Daryl Horgan
was a thorn in the side of his opponents and was influential in
SDFC92’s comeback. First, he swung in a free kick which caused
confusion in the 91 defence and Joe Shaughnessy was able to nod
in what everyone thought was a mere consolation. Unbelievably in
injury time, Daryl Horgan again sent in a carbon copy free kick
and up popped Shaugnessy again for the equaliser to send the match
into a penalty shootout. A tough way to end what was a gruelling
encounter. Both teams fairly much cancelled each other out during
the shootout until the 5th kick. Unfortunately for SDFC91, Brian
Conlon missed and this left the way open for Man of the Match –
Daryl Horgan to score the winning penalty for SDFC92.

Mervue Utd 3 - 0 Swinford
By Mike Rafferty
Requiring victory by a margin of five goals in
order to advance to the knock out stages of the U17 Cup, Mervue
Utd went about their business in a very enthusiastic manner from
the outset, but in spite of dominating proceeding from start to
finish a three goal salvo was as much as they could achieve.
Now while Swinford were generally outclassed, they
stuck to their task and aided by an excellent display of goalkeeping
by Michael Schlingermann and an over worked back four they frustrated
the Galway side for the duration of the contest.
Mervue should have made an early breakthrough when
David Smyth fired a Pat Hoban pass wide of target and Paul Scally
also miss directed a header well wide of goal.
However they made a well deserved breakthrough
on 11 minutes when Hoban headed a Cathal Nolan corner beyond the
reach of Schlingermann for a 1-0 lead. Mervue continued to threaten
and Billy Lane flashed an effort accross the face of goal, before
the winger was denied by a fine leg block by the goalkeeper on 23
minutes. The impressive Lane then had a shot pushed on to a post
by Schlingermann and in the final chance of the half Hoban failed
to add to his opener as he was off target from close range.
Now Swinford were getting few opportunities to
get out of their own half and as a result created little of note
throughout a one sided encounter. However the performances of Martin
Haran, Jack McDonnell and Niall Feeney ensured that the Mayo visitors
remained competitive until the final whistle.
Now the second half followed a pattern similar
to the first and once more Mervue seemed to rush everything as they
failed to get the ultimate reward. The visitors continued to be
hard to break down, but when Paul Scally finished well at the far
post to make it 2-0 after 30 minutes, it was odds on that the Galway
side would go on to achieve the required amount of goals for victory.
However getting past Schlingermann continued to
be a problem as he gathered at the feet of Lane and then frustrated
Scally with another smashing save. With just two minutes remaining,
Mervue Utd eventually added a third when Kyle McCarthy drilled home
an effort from 20 yards and although victory was achieved, they
fell a little short in term’s of qualification for the top
honours.
Mervue Utd: Coughlan, McEntee(Gartland-30mins),
Holland(Maloney-46mins), Ryan(McCarthy-38mins), Elwood, Lane, Scally,
Duane, Smyth, Hoban, Nolan(Kenny-30mins).
Swinford: Schlingermann, Devine,
Barry, Feeney, Reddington, Sweeney, Haran, Prendergast, Walsh(Gallagher-26mins),
McDonnell, Convey.
Referee: Reale (Athlone).

Ireland 3 – 2 Donegal Schoolboys League
By Mike Rafferty
With both side`s requiring a result in order to
advance to the U15 Elite Final, it was the National selection that
eventually prevailed in a competative contest on Pitch 3.
Now the reality was that Donegal were the better team throughout,
but were forever chasing the game as Ireland took an opening minute
lead. A Paddy Barrett pass released Ross King and when his shot
was parried by `keeper Joe Coll, Robert Murray was following up
to smash home the rebound for a 1-0 lead.
For long spell`s there after the Elite Squad`s
goal led a charmed life as Donegal dominated the exchanges. Twice
Paddy McGrierty was thwarted by blocked efforts, before Donegal
forced a deserved equaliser on 6 mins. A Gary Merritt free kick
was poorly dealt with by Irish `keeper Darragh Zaidan and Raymond
Foy tapped home to tie up matters at 1-1.
Continueing to dominate Christy McCafferty and
John O`Malley were both denied by the crossbar, as the excellent
Brian McGroarty provided a constant supply to the front line. After
been totally outplayed Ireland made it 2-1 on the stroke of half
time when David Murphy set up Glen Traynor for a close range finish.
Now while Donegal continued to be the more impressive
side as Carl McHugh and Gary Merritt caught the eye, the second
half was a little more open and again Ireland struck early on the
resumption as Murphy finished well with a shot from outside the
area to make it 3-1. Almost immediatly the margin was reduced to
the minimum as Paddy McBrierty headed home from close range, but
inspite of going close on a few further occasions, they could not
find an equaliser as Ireland advanced to the decider.
Ireland: Zaidan,C McLoughlin,
R McLoughlin, O`Brien, Barrett, Traynor(Purdy-33mins), Douglas,
Kenna(Lanigan-45mins) , Murphy(Hardy-48mins), Murray, King.
Donegal: Coll, Bradley, McCafferty, O`Mally, Lyons, McGroarty,
McHugh, Merritt, Foy(Doyle-29mins), McBrearty, Duffy(McBride-35mins).
Referee: Lee Bevans (Offaly).

Derry City Academy 2 – 0 South Tipperary
By Grace Uhr
A well-drilled Derry City Academy Under 13 side
overcame South Tipperary in a classy 2-0 victory late on the third
day of the Umbro Galway Cup yesterday.
Two first half goals set up a solid win for Derry who held their
shape well and dominated almost for the entirety of the game.
It was not until 14 minutes had elapsed that Derry began to really
threaten, but this first attack yielded immediate results when Liam
McGillin found the back of the net.
McGillin had taken off from the halfway line on a solo run down
the centre of the ground. He flicked it calmly out wide to striker
Corey Hegarty, who deflected it straight back and McGillin shot
it quickly past diving South Tipp ‘keeper Danny O’Mahony
who was unable to get a hand to it.
Six minutes later Derry was in again, this time Paul Ramsey putting
the finishing touch on it. Thomas McCrossan provided the lead-up
when he brought the ball down deep into the right side of the box
and took a shot from a wide angle. O’Mahony made a great diving
right-handed save, but did not clear it and Ramsey was on the spot
and unmarked to score on an open goal. Derry continued to control
the second half, with South Tipp rarely going close, their best
chance coming when substitute David Finnane took a free kick just
outside the box after Sean Connelly had received a yellow card for
a trip. The shot was taken comfortably by Derry ‘keeper Mark
Kelly though and his side clinched a comfortable two-goal victory.
Derry City Academy: Mark Kelly, Caolin Fullerton,
Daniel Nelis, Sean Connelly, Paul Ramsey, Liam McGillin, Jack King,
Thomas McCrossan, Paul Leonard, Corey Hegarty, Jamie McIntyre
South Tipperary: Danny O’Mahony, Keelan
Hickey, Ciaran Lowry (Fionn Hogan, 43mins), Joshua Keane, Tom Kirwan,
Michael Connelly, Kevin Fahey, Liam Casey (David Finnane, h-t),
Gerry Cronin (Jamie Fitzgerald, h-t), Evan Hickey (Cody Jackson,
h-t), Ian Flannery
Booked: Sean Connelly

Salthill Devon 3 – 0 Eddie Irvine Sports FC
By Grace Uhr
Home side Salthill Devon scored its first win of
the week in the Under 14 division on day three of the prestigious
Umbro Galway Cup yesterday.
The Drom-based club defeated visiting Northern Ireland side Eddie
Irvine Sports FC 3-0 in an impressive display that should have the
top sides in their division looking over their shoulders.
A first-half goal to midfielder Colm Horgan set up the results,
while second half shots from Timmy Molloy and Stephen Dooley sealed
the deal.
Eddie Irvine pressed valiantly for the entire 50 minutes, but were
forced to go unrewarded despite some strong chances, particularly
late in the first half.
Salthill’s first goal came from a set play when tall defender
Joseph O’Brien took a free kick just on their side of the
halfway line.
His long shot found Molloy in the box who took a shot which deflected
off Eddie Irvine ‘keeper Maril Dempster and Horgan was in
position to boot home the second chance shot.
But it was the home side which had the run of the game and opened
the second half on a high when Molloy converted another set piece,
this time from a corner which was taken by Daniel Duggan.
The corner kick went straight to Molloy at the back post who headed
home the winner.
Salthill then put the game well out of the visitors’ reach
five minutes from fulltime when Dooley converted a penalty from
the spot after Callum Baillie received a yellow card for an infringement
in a tackle.
Salthill Devon: Jack O’Reilly (David Conroy,
h-t), Joseph O’Brien, John Flynn, Stephen Dooley, Colm Horgan,
Dara Conroy, Timmy Molloy, Daniel Duggan, Jack Keogh (Jason Murphy,
24mins), Brian Seagrave, Kyle Tobin (Niall Chu, 41mins)
Eddie Irvine Sports FC: Maril Dempster, Brett Hamilton,
Gareth Pugh (Dean Justin, 32mins), Matthew McBride, Andrew McFarland
(John Brennan, 34mins), William Parker, Grant Ridings, Dale McKee,
Kyle Macilie (Ryan Beattie, 43mins), Aaron Cousins, Callum Baillie
Booked: Callum Baillie

Salthill Devon 1991 5 - 0 Atlantic Crossing
By Declan Rooney
Defending champions in the Galway Motorpark Under-17
section, Salthill Devon, kicked off the defence of their title in
style with a five goal demolition of New Hampshire side Atlantic
Crossing, in the opening fixture of Wednesday action. First-half
goals from E McGahon and B Gaffney ensured the match was all but
wrapped up by half-time, but once the opener arrived – very
much against the run of play – the American’s seemed
to drain of all their early confidence.
McGahon’s opener arrived after 12 minutes
play and he was quick to pounce on a defensive error by the Atlantic
rearguard. M Funge was pressurised by the Salthill striker and he
managed to dispossess the left-back. He calmly rounded the keeper
and fired home to give the home side the lead.
The second goal arrived five minutes before the
break after the best passing move of the match. Brian Conlon won
possession in the middle of the park and fed C Grant down the right
wing. Grant took on his marker, whipped in a wonderful ball to the
back post where Gaffney somehow defied gravity, hung in the air
and looped a header over the stranded Gillespie in the Atlantic
goal.
The Atlantic management rang the changes at half-time
and soon found themselves out of contention as Salthill added another
to the score-line. The impressive Conlon again won the ball in midfield
and threaded a fine pass to the feet of Grant down the left channel.
Grant feigned to shoot, cut back inside on his stronger right foot,
and drilled the ball past the helpless Leavitt at his near post.
At this stage Atlantic were well beaten, but they
possessed the outstanding player on the day. Playing in the centre
of midfield, Mike Campbell bossed the encounter throughout and displayed
a range of fine passing, hard tackling and excellent vision. Unfortunately,
with Atlantic visibly tiring, he was unable to stop the Devon train,
as Salthill added a further two goals to their tally in the final
three minutes: from D Keogh with an excellent free-kick after the
keeper handled outside the area; and C O’Halloran who almost
ripped the net from it’s fixings with a pile-driver from six
yards.
Salthill will be delighted with this performance;
however, they would have been happier with a tighter contest to
challenge the players. Atlantic to their credit started the game
as the better side, but let their heads drop slightly once they
went behind. They showed some wonderful play on the ground, but
lacked the physical presence to deal with the rough and tumble of
competition football.
Salthill Devon 1991: R Burke, R Watson, G Sheedy,
C Fadden, C McGinn; F Kerrigan (A Doyle, 40), J McHugh, B Conlon,
B Gaffney; E McGahon (C O’Halloran, 33), C Grant (D Keogh,
40).
Atlantic Crossing: C Gillespie
(R Reavitt, 25), C Lubelczyk, A Herreijgers, J Dimanna, M Funge;
J Wilkins (J Petroni, 33), M Rankin-Byrnes, M Campbell, C Barrow;
D Francover, B Lloyd (T Gay, 25).

Newcastle United 1 – 0 Donegal Schoolboys League
By Declan Rooney
Newcastle United, playing in their
first Umbro Cup, got their competition off to the perfect start
with a hard-fought one goal victory over Donegal Schoolboys League
selection in Drum on Wednesday morning. A fine strike from D Knight
six minutes into the second period was enough for the Magpies to
emerge victorious, but the victory was some what undeserved, as
the Donegal side appeared to be the better outfit and controlled
proceedings for the majority of the encounter.
The goal arrived from a free-kick on the edge of
the penalty area, after substitute Marcus Maddison was felled in
full-flight by a Donegal defender. Knight stepped up and rifled
his free kick past the despairing dive of Joe Coll in the Donegal
goals. In the opening half, the Irish side looked the more comfortable
side on the ball, with everything creative going through he hugely
impressive Carl McHugh. The Irish underage international was combative
in the tackle; he kept the team ticking and possessed a killer final
ball. Unfortunately for his side, he had to depart the match after
picking up a groin injury early in the second half, after an overly
zealous challenge by Streete in the Newcastle midfield.
Newcastle were proving dangerous from set-pieces,
especially towering centre-half Mogwo. Twice he came close to opening
the scoring: firstly heading wide at the back post; and secondly
he had a fine header cleared off the line by Mark Redmond. Donegal
came into the game as the first half progressed, with McHugh pulling
the strings. After 17 minutes he released Garry Merritt down the
left hand side but Alnwick in the Newcastle goal turned it around
for a corner.
Donegal continued to pile on the pressure with
shots on target, twice from James Doyle and from Merritt in the
19th minute, but on each occasion as a goal looked certain, the
keeper again came to the rescue sending the sides in scoreless at
half-time. The Donegal side had a fine chance to opening their account
after four minutes of the second period through PJ McBrearty. Doyle
slipped a fine ball down the left channel for McBrearty and he looked
set to score as he bore down on goal. As the keeper went to ground,
the Donegal attacker attempted to clip the ball over the keeper’s
dive, but again Alnwick came to the young Magpies rescue.
Newcastle almost doubled their advantage midway
through the second half, and only for a top-drawer stop from Coll,
Donegal would have been dead and buried. Maddisson arfer a lovely
flick over his marker’s head, went on a mazy dribble down
the right, beat three defenders in the process and passed square
to Knight. The goalscorer again let fly with his left boot, but
Coll somehow managed to claw the top-corner bound shot over the
bar.
After the departure of McHugh, Donegal lost their
drive a little, but they were presented with a guilt-edged chance
to grab a draw with five minutes remaining. Merritt charged down
the left wing and pulled the ball square to substitute Cathal Diver.
Diver shot first time from the penalty spot, but his attempt grazed
the base of the back post and ensured Newcastle held on for a hard-earned
victory.
Newcastle United: J Alnwick; A
Nicholson, D Taylor, A Mogwo, G Sansom; M Hoganson, D Luke (M Madisson,
25), R Rage, R Streete; D Knight, P Nzuzi.
Donegal SL: J Coll, M Redmond,
R Foy, A Lyons, S Rodden; B McGroary, C McHugh (J McCarry, 35),
J Doyle (C Diver, 39), G Merritt; PJ McBrearty, J Duffy.

4th International Umbro Galway Cup Kicks off this Week in Drom Soccer
Park
On Tuesday August 5th the opening matches of the 4th annual international Umbro Galway Cup take place in Terryland Park, where Leeds Utd play Newcastle Utd at 6pm followed by Ireland versus Ipswich Town at 7.30pm. All other tournament matches take place from Wednesday August 6th to Saturday August 9th at Drom Soccer Park, home of Salthill Devon FC from 9am to 7pm daily.
On Thursday August 7th Galway Bay FM will have the roadcaster in Drom and will be running competitions each day on air to win 'Umbro X Boots'. Setanta Sports will be capturing the highs and lows of the Umbro Galway Cup, which will be shown on August 16th and will re-run at different times throughout the rest of the year. Other activities during the week include 'Coerver Coaching' masterclasses, which is a world renowned technical soccer skills curriculum and is widely regarded by experts as the number one method for improving soccer skills in young players. For more information on this check out www.coerver.eu. Fixtures are now available at www.galwaycup.com and tickets are on sale at the gates daily. Special children and family rates apply.
Over 60 great soccer teams from Ireland, the UK, Europe, the US and the Middle East will arrive in Galway this week to compete for the Cup in 7 major categories. Elite competitors include a mix of emerging talented players from Ireland, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Leicester City, Donegal District League and MSK Zilina, Slovakia's top club. In other categories there is a strong representation of Irish clubs including; Salthill Devon FC, Mervue Utd, South East Development, Mount Merrion/UCD, Hibs, St. Francis, Clare, Dundalk, Athlone, Templeogue, Limavady and many more
The Umbro Galway Cup is in its 4th successful year and is becoming a major contributor to the promotion of sports in Ireland, and the generator of substantial tourism revenues for the City of Galway. It is a member of the Umbro International tournament group since January 2006 and along with the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian in Spain, and the Dana Cup in Denmark among others the Umbro Galway Cup is now considered one of the leading underage soccer competitions around the globe.

Umbro XBoot Winners
The XBoot Competition will run Daily
on Galway Bay FM from 12-3. The Galway Bay FM Roadcaster will be
in Drom this Thursday running the Jimmy Norman Show Live.
Wednesday's
Winner: Colin Keane, Corandulla, Galway.
Tuesday's Winner: Gavin O'Connell, Wellpark,
Galway.
Monday's Winner: Ivor Gleeson, Knocknacarra, Galway.

Ireland
2 - 1 Ipswich Town
By Adam O’Connor
The next match was to be the main
course in this mini feast of football as Ireland took on last year’s
winners and surely one of the favourites for the cup, Ipswich Town.
Although the first half lacked structure and clear-cut
chances, both teams impeccable professionalism shone throughout
the field. The captains on each side showed tremendous leadership
qualities, particularly Ireland's own Paddy Barrett. The centre
back played a pivotal role in the match and his discipline was distinctive
on the night.
Ireland had an immediate impact on proceedings
early in the second half with a spectacular strike from Robert Murray
of St. Francis, Athlone. Ireland shot into an instant lead. However,
this this only lasted a matter of minutes when an expertly executed
free kick from Ipswich Town's Callum Bennett flew past the wall
and beyond Ireland's keeper Greg Murray. After a further ten minutes
of equally contested football, Ireland's Niall Lanigan sprung from
midfield to head home a dramatic winner.
Ipswich were in trouble and despite former Northern
Ireland International and ex team-mate of George Best, Sammy Morgan's
calling of an impromptu huddle in the middle of the pitch during
an irish injury, the team were unable to grab a last gasp equaliser.
And so the final whistle brought the curtains to a close on the
opening night of the Umbro Cup 2008.

Leeds
Utd 2 - 0 Newcastle Utd
By Adam O’Connor
On the opening day of the now prestigious
Umbro Cup Competition, four of the elite teams out of an impressive
entry of 60 took to Terryland Park in Galway to entertain a surprisinglylarge
crowd. As this competition continues to grow in stature, the first
two teams on the bill, Newcastle United and Leeds United lived up
to their glorified names.
Newcastle started the match on top with forwards
David Luke and Marcus Maddison proving a quality pairing to lead
their line. With few chances made in the match, Leeds always looked
dangerous on the counter attack, utilising their versatile 4-5-1
formation to great effect. Newcastle's attempts were proving frustrating
as winger, Luke Carr's missed opportunity a minute before the break
seemed to sum up their night.
The second half was a different story, with the
Leed’s team talk seeming to have worked a treat. After just
5 minutes Sanchez Payne and Sam Byram combined to set up striker
Dean Bartle and the frontman finished with ease. Just what the whites
deserved. The rest of the half was end to end football with both
teams sharing possession. The match was subsequently finished three
minutes from time when last years player of the tournament Sanchez
Payne again once again broke through the Newcastle defence to top
off another 'man of the match' winning performance.

Abu
Dhabi Boys Ready for Europe
By Rohan Alvares
They have conquered the domestic scene and are now looking to make their mark in Europe. No, we are not talking about any professional football club here but an energetic team of under-15 boys called the Abu Dhabi Thistle FC.
Formed two years ago by a group of dads seeking to provide their children with the opportunity to play competitive football, the club has rapidly grown into a solid unit with a perpetual hunger for silverware. The 2007/08 season saw the Thistle under-15 lads win five out of six tournaments that they competed in across the Gulf region.
The one time they lost was in the final to the youth team of professional club side Al Jazira. And as next month’s Galway Umbro Cup in Ireland draws nearer, team captain Alex Macdonald is confident the side - who are the first team from the Middle East to play in the tournament - will give their opponents a run for their money.
Motivated bunch
"We have quite a good chance. We have never played any Irish clubs before. There is competition here but it’s not as competitive as teams in Britain and Ireland," said the winger.
Attributing the team’s sparkling performances to the camaraderie within a squad that includes nationalities from the UK, Europe, Lebanon and the Emirates, Macdonald said: "We have good individual players but we work together and we’re more motivated than other sides. We’re solid at the back and creative in front and our coaches motivate us a lot as well. We don’t hate each other and are good friends outside football as well," he joked.
That the team has never lacked ideas in front of goal is largely due to the striking partnership of Karim Tayara and Joe Hanson. The duo have each scored over 20 goals through the season. With next month’s tournament being Hanson’s last for the club, his partner is determined to ensure he leaves on a good note. "I try to set him up as much as I can so he can score the goals. I don’t think we’ll find another striker of his level," said Tayara.
Team manager Archie Young and head coach Paul Roberts have enjoyed the team’s successes as much as the boys. "We’ve had a great time coaching the boys. We’ve had a lot of laughs with them and they’ve given us a lot of joy," said Young.
He added: "[The Galway Cup] is a prestigious tournament. To win it would top it off but the whole idea of starting the club was because there was a lack of competitive football for young boys here. So what we’ve been trying to do is set up competitive leagues to see how far our league has come compared to the boys from Europe."
Thistle triumphs
- The Onion Bag tournament (Jebel Ali) - which included 16 teams throughout the Gulf region
- Jebel Ali International Youth League (Winter)
- The Onion Bag tournament (Bahrain)
- Tournoi Ecole Francaise De Football - local Abu Dhabi tournament which their under-13 side also won.
- Jebel Ali International Youth League (Summer)
Targets for the coming season
- Arranging major sponsorship for the club
- Expanding to include younger age groups (U-9 & U-11)
- Strengthening the existing U-13 and U-15 squads
- Improving the training equipment
- Improving training facilities for the older boys
- Arranging for the club to take part in a tournament in the Far East
Source: /www.xpress4me.com

FAI Emerging Talent Squad Announced for This Year's Umbro Galway Cup
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have announced the Ireland 'Emerging Talent Squad' for 2008 Umbro Galway Cup, which will take place August 5th - 9th at Drom Soccer Park, home of Salthill Devon FC.
Niall Harrison, FAI, said, "Bringing a squad to the Galway Cup gives home based players, who are just beginning the development process, a chance to compete at a high international level. These players are taking part in the Emerging Talent programme and have been selected from our 12 regional centres".
"I have no doubt that the home based players will really benefit from competing at this level. It will push them to their limits and they will learn a lot about their game."
The Football Association of Ireland 2008 Umbro Galway Cup Squad Includes:
DDSL; Darragh Zaidan, Niall Lanagan, Daniel Purdy (all Crumlin Utd), Greg Murray (both Home Farm), Hugh Douglas (St Josephs Boys), Darragh Keena, (Mullingar Athletic)
Waterford; Adam Potter (Villa), Paddy Barrett (Southend)
Kilkenny; Ross King (Clover Utd)
Athlone; Robert Murray (St. Francis)
Inishowen; Conor McLoughlin (Moville), Ryan McLaughlin (Carndonagh)
Wicklow; Mark Hardy (Arklow Town)
Cork; James O'Brien (Wilton FC), Luke O'Sullivan (Corinthians Boys)
Wexford; David Murphy (All Blacks)
Dundalk; Cian Byrne (Monaghan Utd), Glenn Traynor (Rock Celtic)
On Standby; Donal Brannagan (Crumlin Utd, DDSL), Lee Delaney (Evergreen FC, Kilkenny)
Staff; Mitch Whitty, Ciaran Kavanagh, Adrian Cronin, Bobby Flood, Joe Dodd, Niall Harrison, Vincent Butler, Michael Lynam
The Umbro Galway Cup 2008 is the leading underage international soccer tournament in Ireland. Competitors include a mix of emerging talented players from Ireland, Ipswich Town, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Leicester City, Donegal District League and MSK Zilina, Slovakia's top club.
The Umbro Galway Cup is in its fourth successful year and is becoming a major contributor to the promotion of sports in Ireland, and the generator of substantial tourism revenues for the City of Galway. It is a member of the Umbro International tournament group since January 2006 and along with the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian in Spain, the Dana Cup in Denmark and the Dublin Cup among others the Umbro Galway Cup is now considered one of the leading underage soccer competitions around the globe.
The Umbro Galway Cup has attracted teams from the UK, the US, Canada, the South East, Eastern Europe, as well as a strong representation of Irish clubs. League of Ireland outfits, such as Shelbourne, Derry City, and Bohs, have attended in the past, and have competed against UK academies like Ipswich Town, Glasgow Celtic, Aberdeen, Leeds Utd, and Charlton Athletic.
For more information on the Ireland team visit www.fai.ie http://www.fai.ie or the Umbro Galway Cup 2008 visit www.galwaycup.com http://www.galwaycup.com. Opening fixtures will be announced next week.
Source: www.fai.ie

Eleven Northern Irish Teams To Compete At The 2008 Umbro Galway Cup
Eleven great clubs from the North of Ireland will compete in this year's Umbro Galway Cup, the leading underage international soccer tournament in Ireland, taking place August 5th - 9th in Salthill Devon FC, Drom Soccer Park. Just South of the border, Donegal District League are the surprise inclusion in the Elite section of the tournament, and will take on six professional UK academies, the FAI Squad, and MSK Zilina of Slovakia. Donegal DL, coached by Eunan Brolly and Marty Duffy, recently won the Jim Cashin Inter League All-Ireland Cup, defeating Waterford in the final after impressive wins against Galway and Kilkenny earlier in the
campaign. Many of the players have had trials overseas with clubs in England and Scotland, and some have been capped for the Republic of Ireland at underage level.
Northern Ireland teams to watch at the U13 group
include Derry City, Friends Select Academy, Rosario, Maiden City,
and Barn United. Derry City play in the FAI Premier Division, the
top tier of league football in the Republic of Ireland, and is the
only participating club from Northern Ireland. They qualified for
the 2007 Setanta Cup, as well as the preliminary rounds of the 2007-08
UEFA Champions League, and were accepted into the restructured FAI
Premier Division for 2007.The club had a disappointing league campaign
last season, finishing 7th despite being pre-season favourites.
However, they did manage to win their 8th Eircom League Cup, thanks
to a 1-0 victory over Bohemians at the Brandywell.
Drumahoe FC, also from Derry will compete in the Under 17 Girls
Competition to defend the title they won at least year’s event,
while Ballymoor FC and Ballymoney will compete in the Boys U17 group.
Ballymoor F.C. was set up in 2003 to accommodate the youth of the
Brandywell, Lone Moor, and Ballymagroarty areas of Derry City. In
the Boys U15 group, Limavady return for the forth successive year
hoping to make 2008 the year they return home with silverware, though
Newhill FC from Belfast will provide stiff competition. Finally,
Eddie Irvine Sports FC will play in the Boys U14 Group. Eddie Irvine
Sports employ well-known IFA coach Bobby Murphy, who has established
a link with English Championship team Preston North End FC, who
competed at the inaugural Umbro Galway Cup in 2005.

Packie Bonner Launches 2008 Umbro Galway Cup
Republic of Ireland international and FAI Technical Director, Packie Bonner launched the Umbro Galway Cup today, at the award-winning Drom Soccer Park, home of Salthill Devon FC. There will be 58 teams in seven major categories competing in this prestigious international competition between August 5th and 9th, including boys and girls from age 12 to 17. At the launch the exciting 2008 line up of teams was announced.
"The aim of the Umbro Galway Cup is to bring international class teams together and test them against quality opposition to develop their skills. The Galway Cup is now in its fourth successive year and is considered one of the leading underage soccer competitions around the globe", said Packie Bonner, FAI.
"This tournament offers the FAI and overseas representatives the opportunity to assess players who are on the fringe of the international squad while also showcasing the state of the art soccer facilities here in Drom, home of Salthill Devon FC in Galway, the West of Ireland".
There will be two levels in the U15 age group. Level one will be known as the 'Elite Cup' and is aimed at professional clubs and representative teams, while level two is aimed at amateur and local teams. Last year's Elite final saw Ipswich Town edge Leeds Utd out on penalties. Both teams return this year to compete in the Elite category of the competition. Other teams include Sheffield Utd and Newcastle Utd. While both are newcomers to the Umbro Galway Cup, they look set to continue their rivalry, having competed in the same Development League in the 07/08 season in the UK. English Premiership side Fulham will also take part in the Elite Cup for the first time, which promises to be the strongest group yet in the tournament's four-year history.
Tournament Director Denis Burke said, "teams to watch in the U15 'Club' Competition include Abu Dhabi Thistle, who are the first team from the Middle East to compete in the Galway Cup, and Templeogue Utd, who recently claimed promotion to the Premier Division of the DDSL with an impressive 07/08 campaign".
In the U17 category, Salthill Devon come into the competition on the back of an impressive domestic season that saw them capture the Connacht Cup. This year there will also be a Girls U17 category with Atlantic Crossing from the US competing for the first time at this level, as well as Salthill Devon, the reigning U16 SFAI Cup Champions.
Drom Soccer Park, home of Salthill Devon FC in Galway, offers top quality grass pitches, all-weather training areas, a spacious clubhouse, and parking facilities. The Umbro Galway Cup is now a major contributor to the promotion of sports in Ireland, and the generator of substantial tourism revenues for the City of Galway. It is a member of the Umbro International tournament group since January 2006 along with the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian in Spain, the Dana Cup in Denmark and the Dublin Cup, among others. To receive more information on the 2008 Galway Cup, please visit www.galwaycup.com or contact Denis Burke, Tournament Director, on info@galwaycup.com or +353 (0)91 521177.

Packie Bonner launches the Umbro Galway Cup 2008 with Salthill Devon FC, who will compete in the international tournament at Drom Soccer Park in Galway, Ireland.

Packie Bonner launches the international Umbro Galway Cup 2008 with sponsors from Bank of Ireland, IIB, Supermacs, and Anglo Irish Bank at Drom Soccer Park in Galway.


Eddie
Irvine Sports FC to Play at Umbro Galway Cup 2008
Former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine's
new football club will compete in this year's Umbro Galway Cup,
the leading underage international soccer tournament in Ireland,
taking place August 5th -9th in Salthill Devon FC, Drom Soccer Park.
Bangor-based Eddie Irvine Sports FC has effectively 'taken over'
Holywood Boys FC, who competed in the 2006 and 2007 Umbro Cup at
various age groups, with a view to improving and promoting the players
and club.
The new club's main aim is to develop
the youth players over the years into a senior team that would compete
in the Irish League. Initially an all boys club, there are an increasing
number of girls taking part in both coaching programmes and competitive
football. Eddie Irvine Sports employ well-known IFA coach Bobby
Murphy, who has established a link with English Championship team
Preston North End FC. He will set up their Northern Irish academy
at the club, looking to coach local talent and sign players for
the future.
The Eddie Irvine Sports FC team will
compete in the U14 Umbro Galway Cup group which includes teams such
as St. Francis of the DDSL [runners-up in this year's SFAI Cup]
Westport United, DDSL Major side Crumlin United, Hibs, and SFAI
Cup semi-finalists Salthill Devon.
The Umbro Galway Cup is in its fourth successive year and is becoming
a major contributor to the promotion of sports in Ireland, and the
generator of substantial tourism revenues for the City of Galway.
It is a member of the Umbro International tournament group since
January 2006 and along with the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian in
Spain, the Dana Cup in Denmark and the Dublin Cup, among others,
the Umbro Galway Cup is now considered one of the leading underage
soccer competitions around the globe.
To receive more information
on the Galway Cup 2008 contact Denis Burke, Tournament Director
on info@galwaycup.com or
+353 (0)91 521177.

Slovakia's
Top Club to compete for the 'Elite Cup' at Umbro Galway Cup 2008
The Umbro Galway Cup
2008, the leading underage international soccer tournament in Ireland
will be taking place August 5th-9th in Salthill Devon FC, Drom Soccer
Park. This week the 'Elite Teams' have been finalised and the group
includes a mix of emerging talented players from Ireland, Ipswich
Town, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Leeds United, Leicester
City, Donegal District League and MSK Zilina, Slovakia's top club.
A team to watch this year in the Elite section of the competition
is MSK Zilina from Slovakia, who are one of the most successful
clubs in Slovak top division (since 1993), having won 4 titles in
the last 6 years. One of the club's most notable players of the
modern time is Marek Mintál, in two successive seasons he
was the top goal scorer in the league with 21 and 20 goals respectively,
and was a major contributor to ilina winning their three Slovakian
titles and earning himself a move to 1. FC Nuremberg of Germany.
In the past, ilina's senior team has played against the likes
of Chelsea and other top European clubs. The U15 squad of Zilina
players selected to play in the 'Elite Group' of the Umbro Galway
Cup recently won the 'Nike Cup' in Slovakia. The U15 team has also
beaten top clubs from Austria, Poland and Croatia in other International
tournaments.
Other Elite teams to watch include Ipswich Town, who return to defend
their title led by Tony Humes and Sammy Morgan, a former Northern
Ireland International. Newcastle United includes a mix of two age
groups U16 and U15 who have competed throughout the year against
teams such as Manchester United, Sunderland and Leeds United in
a Development League.
The Umbro Galway Cup
is in its 4th successful year and is becoming a major contributor
to the promotion of sports in Ireland, and the generator of substantial
tourism revenues for the City of Galway. It is a member of the Umbro
International tournament group since January 2006 and along with
the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian in Spain, the Dana Cup in Denmark
and the Dublin Cup among others the Umbro Galway Cup is now considered
one of the leading underage soccer competitions around the globe.
To register a team or to receive
more information on the Galway Cup 2008 contact Denis Burke, Tournament
Director on info@galwaycup.com
or +353 (0)91 521177.

Record
Team Numbers from Across the Globe Sign Up to Compete
The Umbro Galway
Cup, the leading underage international soccer tournament in Ireland
will take place at Drom Soccer Park, home of Salthill Devon FC,
in Galway, Ireland between August 5th-9th 2008. To date over fifty
great soccer teams from Ireland, the UK, Europe, the US and the
Middle East have signed up to compete for the Cup.
The Umbro Galway Cup event is entering
its 4th successful year and is becoming a major contributor to the
promotion of sports in Ireland, and the generator of substantial
tourism revenues for the City of Galway. 2008 promises to be another
bumper year as Ipswich return to defend their title, and the Ireland
team have put a great pool of talent together to compete for the
cup. The US contingents, for the club sections, will be headed by
Tom Johnson's Atlantic Crossing, based in New Hampshire, but drawing
players from throughout the US for the tournament. In addition Abu
Dhabi Thistle have entered and they feature a mixture of ex pats
and local boys.
Denis Burke, Tournament Director
of the Umbro Galway Cup says, "Irish soccer is facing into
a new and exciting era at international level. The aim of the event
is to create an international competitive platform for young talented
soccer players which will enable them to compete at an international
level as they grow in their soccer careers". Burke continued,
"it is also an opportunity for players to be spotted by scouts,
and most of all, to meet new friends from around the world with
a similar passion for football."
The Umbro Galway Cup is a member
of the Umbro International tournament group since January 2006 and
along with the Donosti Cup in San Sebastian in Spain, the Dana Cup
in Denmark and the Dublin Cup among others the Umbro Galway Cup
is now considered one of the leading underage soccer competitions
around the globe. Major announcements in relation to this years
line up, players and developments will be released in the coming
months.
To register a team or to receive
more information on the Galway Cup 2008 contact Denis Burke, Tournament
Director on info@galwaycup.com
or +353 (0)91 521177.

Flickr,
YouTube and the Umbro Galway Cup 2008
Flickr and YouTube
are new additions to the Umbro Galway Cup 2008 Website.
To upload a photo to the site goto www.flickr.com
and upload your image with the tag galwaycup and it will automatically
appear on the Umbro Galway Cup Site.
To upload a video to the site goto www.youtube.com
and upload your video with the tag galwaycup and we will put it
up on the Umbro Galway Cup Site as soon as possible.

Ipswich
Town to defend their elite title at the Umbro Galway Cup 2008
The winner's of the
Elite Section of the 2007 Umbro Galway Cup, Ipswich Town, today
confirmed that they intend to return to Galway in August to defend
their title.
Speaking to SalthillDevon.ie,
Academy Director Tony Humes said :" The staff and boys all
had a great time in Galway in '07 , obviously the success helps,
but I know we found out a lot about the boys in terms of their football
abilities, their social skills and certainly their character, which
showed through in the semi- final and final. The tournament was
a big success and the feedback I have been given from Sammy Morgan,
Gerard Nash and Malcolm Moore was that the standard of competition
was very high. We spoke at length about the possibility of defending
the Elite Cup and we are delighted to confirm that we want to be
part of the action again in '08."

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