colerainefc.com spoke with David Platt, Head of Junior Academy, ahead of this summer’s Super Cup NI, where the club’s talented (2012-born) U13 squad gained qualification and will proudly represent the Bannsiders on one of Europe’s top youth football stages…

David reflected on the journey of this group, many of whom began their footballing story through the Soccer School under the guidance of Stephen Hunt and Alan McBride.

Their excellent early influence laid the foundations for what is now a strong and unified team ready for the challenge ahead. The group has evolved over the past year and added to the quality already within it.

“This group has developed brilliantly,” said Platt. “The transition to 11-a-side football is never easy, but the boys have steadily improved as the season has advanced.

“At the end of last year, former first-team player Joe Gray joined the coaching setup, and we all have continued to build on the strong base laid by Alan and Stephen. We’re proud to bring this squad to the Super Cup NI to represent the club, their families, and the community.”

Q1: How excited are you and the players for the tournament?

There’s genuine excitement throughout the squad. Super Cup NI is considered one of the leading youth tournaments in Europe, and participation provides players with the opportunity to compete against several established European teams. These are the experiences that stay with them for life — wearing the Coleraine badge, walking out in front of their families and supporters, and testing themselves against some of the best young talent out there.

They know the significance of the event. They’re following in the footsteps of so many who’ve gone before them, and they’re ready to create their own memories.

Q2: What do you make of your group and the level of opposition?

The introduction of qualification requirements for the tournament has resulted in an increase in the calibre of participating teams. We’re in a very competitive group — exactly what this tournament is about. We open against Shankill Juniors, a strong and physical side from Belfast. Then it’s Blackburn Rovers, a club with Premier League history and an elite youth academy, in Bushmills. On the final day, we play IDA Bermuda back at The Showgrounds, which will be a brilliant international test.

However, we are confident in our ability to deliver performances. The boys reached the Northern Ireland Boys Cup Final, suffered just three league defeats all season, and had the best defensive record in their division. They’ve shown resilience, quality, and consistency — and they’ve earned the right to be on this international stage.

Q3: How have preparations gone? And how vital has support been?

Preparation has been intense. We’ve been training hard for weeks, working on fitness, sharpness, and team cohesion to build on the good habits instilled throughout the season just past. The players are focused and determined — you can feel the positive energy in every session.

Support from families, sponsors, and the wider community has been nothing short of incredible:

  • Home strip sponsored by McConaghy Transport
  • Away strip sponsored by Kevin Moore / McKeever Cars
  • Tracksuits and hoodies sponsored by W&J Stewart Agri Contracts and Radio Cabs
  • Kit bags sponsored by AH Lettings and Property Management
  • Warm-up t-shirts, shorts, and socks sponsored by Mooney and McAleese Joinery and UFORM
  • A massive thank you to Russell Kelly from Score for being our youths main sponsor.

This kind of support helps the boys look and feel the part, and without it, participation in a tournament like this wouldn’t be possible. Everyone involved has played a huge part in helping these young players live out a dream.

Q4: What’s your final message to the players?

Take it all in and enjoy every minute. You’ve worked for this. Represent the badge with pride, stick together as a team, and give your best. The memories you make this week will stay with you forever — no matter the results. Dream big — because this is just the beginning of their football journey.

Get along and support the boys.

SQUAD:

Harry McBride
Christy Moore
Ty McConaghy
Cahan O’Kane
Eoin McAleese
Dylan McIlroy
Harry Hunt
Harry Blair
Daniel Caskey
Josh Adams
Conan McKeever
Cahir Carton
Corey O’Neill
Norrie Stewart
Joe Gray
Callum Parke
Conor Kelly

FIXTURES:

Monday 28th July – Coleraine vs Shankill Juniors – Showgrounds, Coleraine (KO 11am)

Tuesday 29th July – Coleraine vs Blackburn Rovers – Bushmills (KO 11am)

Wednesday 30th July – Coleraine vs IDA Bermuda – Showgrounds, Coleraine (KO 3pm)

Best of luck to our U13s at Super Cup NI. The whole Coleraine FC family is behind you. Come on the Bannsiders!