Memories made for Foyle Cup teams

JUNIOR Youths Director, David Platt, has reflected on a successful week at the Foyle Cup tournament…

In an open letter to colerainefc.com, Platt insists that the week was “a success” for all teams, players and coaches involved as the tournament drew to a close.

Thanks to the Foyle Cup for another successful tournament in 2022, one we’ve all been waiting on since 2019!

We at the Youths have had a fantastic week of football in the North West where we had 10 teams, both boys and girls, representing Coleraine FC Youths and between them they racked up over 80 football matches.

The week of football doesn’t happen for the children without the drive and determination of coaches, parents and the good will of some of our many local sponsors – thank you all! We have had lots of great performances on the pitch throughout all the age groups. The weather has been favourable most of the week and it was fantastic to see the young teams progressing and thriving as the week went on.

It’s really difficult to single out teams above others as together we are all part of one big Coleraine FC Youths, however we have had some very notable results this year. Firstly our Coleraine Girls squad had a tremendous week finishing third overall in the U13 age group. Our U10 Coleraine Peacocks boys managed to win the whole competition, this is a huge achievement and well deserved for the coaches, parents and players who have worked hard all year.

Our U12 Coleraine FC team also got through to the Cup final and were narrowly beaten by a tough Maiden City squad at the Brandywell. Again, this has been a tremendous week for this team and they have grown in stature and performances all week.

(Please visit our Facebook page over the weekend to see our individual teams write ups from the week.)

There is an old saying that “it matters not if you win or lose, but how you play the game” – and it’s evident to be seen how well our teams were received all week that they definitely did us all proud.

I feel that this week has been a huge success for the Youths, but what is success? Success is hard to measure and not a simple task. Success is seeing parents, coaches and players happy together. Success is seeing our teams clapping supporters from both sides and getting cheers and claps back. Success is leaving this week with lots of memories.

I was always told that if you work hard you would succeed and that’s a trait I have saw in our players this week. Our progress at the Youths will continue, there have been a lot of excellent things done over the last two years with still lots more to do.

With commitment, focus, continuing to improve and most importantly togetherness, we will achieve much more success.

Well done to all the coaches, parents and players, we’re extremely proud of each and every one of you.