Write a commentThree local players from the Mid-Ulster Youth League football squad are kitted out and ready to kick-off their games in the U13 Foyle Cup tournament this summer courtesy of local gas supplier firmus energy.
Included are players Ryan Haughey and Cormac Ferris from Brookvale FC and Tiernan Kelly from Camlough Rovers who were selected from almost 70 boys from across the region to make the team.
The 18-strong squad has been working hard over the last six weeks, with several more training sessions and four friendlies planned before they travel to Derry~Londonderry for the tournament.
Michael O’Kane, from the Mid-Ulster Youth League explained: “This will be the fourth year that we have entered a team into the Foyle Cup. It really is a great experience for all the young footballers and gives them a taste of a big competition. Many of our players have gone on from the Foyle Cup to be selected to represent their county for the Milk Cup.
“We had a wealth of talent to choose from in the Mid-Ulster League and the boys had to go through two trials before being selected - so it already is a great achievement to be picked for the squad. Although the expense of taking a team to the tournament can add up, having a company such as firmus energy on board is a great help and we are very grateful. We have also had great support from a number of people behind the scenes who have worked so hard to make this possible, including Leslie Lyness as Manager, the coach Chris Chambers, Nigel Davison the Registrations Secretary, Geoffrey Davison as League Treasurer and Chris Davison the Goalkeeper Coach. Now we can focus on preparing for the competition and are aiming to try and beat our excellent result last year where we came third and won the shield to add to add to our trophy cabinet.”
Michelle Coleman for firmus energy added, “We are delighted to support the Mid-Ulster Youth League in their quest for Foyle Cup success and congratulate all the players who were selected! With the World Cup now in full swing, football fever has certainly hit so it will be an especially exciting time for the squad. We commend the Mid-Ulster Youth League for their commitment to providing young people in the area with this opportunity and we look forward to developing our relationship with them in the future. I wish all those participating in the tournament the best of luck and hope they come home with some silverware!”
