Community Schools’ Cup

COLERAINE FC were delighted to hold their first ever Community Schools’ Cup last Friday at The Showgrounds…

As part of the club’s community development plan, we hosted two hundred primary 4 & 5 pupils, boys and girls, from  twenty different primary schools. Schools from the Coleraine, Portrush, Portstewart, Garvagh, Bushmills and Ballymoney areas all featured.

The weather was also kind to us on what was a fantastic day of football from all schools involved. Huge well done to all the boys and girls who took part along with their school representatives. It was also great to see the support from start to finish. After four hours of football, we had our cup final match which was between St John’s PS and Damhead PS.

After a well fought scoreless draw at full time, both schools agreed to share the cup for its first year. Well done St John’s and Damhead! Also a special mention to Damhead player Callum Parke who picked up the player of the tournament award.

Coleraine FC tournament organiser Jamie Selfridge paid tribute to all those who took part, saying: “It was great to see so many young children at The Showgrounds as part of this fantastic experience.

“With the tremendous work that has been done in and around The Showgrounds to date, its great to see children being able to be part of it and enjoying our facilities, including playing out on the new pitch.

“These children and many more are the future of our club so its important that we engage them with Coleraine FC from a young age. We would like to thank you all for coming along and being a part of it.

“I would also like to pass a huge word of thanks to all those that helped me pull all this together and make it the success that it was. There was a fantastic team effort from Laura, Aaron M, Tommy, Lori, John, Davy, Harvey, Aaron D and Devin.

“Thanks also to our club stewards Chris and Alan for their duties on the day and of course, Benny the Bannsider who popped in to say hello and showcase some football skills – much to the delight of the kids who all went crazy at his appearance.

“A final word of thanks goes to our two tournament sponsors. Colin McBride of Colin McBride Residential and Stephen Wilson of Wilson Homes & Mortgages. Thank you guys, your support was very welcome!”