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 Žilina winning their three Slovakian titles and earning himself a move to 1. FC Nuremberg of Germany. In the past, Žilina'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."