Football Clubs Utd (Nl)
ort 2023
Trainin
and coachin
In September 2022 after telephone discussions with England, Scotland and Wales
coaches it was agreed to hold a home nations tournament in Pontefract in Yorkshire
foi the end of July 2023
Training sessions were held in Downpatrick and Newry once a month with 13
players, male and female, of mixed ability levels and from various clubs and
organisations. We had used social media outlets and flyers sent to all clubs advising
of our plans for the incoming year.
It was agreed to move the monthly sessions to various locations to make it more
amenable to everyone. Each session lasted 2 hours and involved various drills which
included basic skills of ball control, passing, heading, shooting and tackling. Most
sessions finished with a game designed for the players to put into practi￿ what they
had learned from the skills training including one touch and two touch passing and
movement.
The sessions focused on who suited each position, worked on defending and
attacking, set plays and playing as a team. Advi￿ and guidan￿ was provided on
healthy eating. and fitness improvement for each player.
Fundraisin
The players all paid a contribution towards the trip and helped with organised
fundraising - a store collection and a night of the ra￿S
Yorkshire Tri
The total group of 20 players, coaches and volunteers travelled to Yorkshire on
Thursday 26 July and returned on Sunday 30 July. We stayed in a Premier Inn
near the ground where the tournament took place. The one day toumament took
th
place on Saturday 29 July. We won the tournament by defeating Wales, England.
Jersey and Scotland.
Northem Ireland 2
Wales O
A hard fought win over a much improved Wales team thanks to two goals from
Curtis Waters and Philip Mccartney - one in each half. A good team performance
right across the pitch - captained on his debut by Richie Brown.
Northern Ireland 2
England O
Its two from two this time against a solid England team.

Curtis Waters opened the scoring early on in the first half with a clever free kick from
the edge of the box after Michael Corrigan was upended in front of goal and then a
delightful chip over the keeper out wide on the left from an acute angle to put us 2-0
up at halftime. Despite Englands best effort the boys in green held firm- with Noel
Galbraith rock solid.
Northem Ireland 2
Jersey O
its three from three this time against an unbeaten Jersey team.
Philip MCCARTNEY opened the scoring early on in the first half with a great finish
after being sent through by Curtis Waters
In the second half Michael Corrigan was on hand to finish from a rebound of the
keeper when a Curtis Waters thunder bolt was to hot to handle for the keeper and
the "predatorf, Corrigan said Yhanks very much" and made the game safe for the
boys and girl in green.
Northern Ireland 1
Scotland O
And it's now four from four this time against a very determined Scotland team who
pushed us all the way, O-O at halftime it took a piece of magic from Philip
MCCARTNEY who latched on to a great Curtis Waters thiough ball and he volleyed
it over the keeper and in of the far post for the goal that wins us back to back Home
Nations titles
Our players were a credit to themselves, their families, clubs and to Northem Ireland
as a whole. Their conduct on and off the pitch was exemplary at all times and they
returned home as winners.
Thanks
Football Clubs Utd (Nl) would like to thank Mark Summers and his team for
organising a fantastic tournament- Thanks to Trevor Waddington for the hospitality -
second to none- Thanks to Eamon Rooney coach hire and our friend Joa our driver -
nothing was to much problem for Joa.
Thanks to John "Feet" Beattie and Harry Walsh senioi for our new track tops .
Most importantly thanks to our players who are just an incredible bunch of young
people- they are a credit to themselves- their families and their clubs and have just
won back to back Home Nations titles.
Curtis Waters won the referee's award for our player of the tournament while the
coaches pick went deservedly to Luke Blaney who was outstsnding during the
tournament
We would like to thank players families, carers, volunteers and all our sponsors foi
making this trip possible but most importantly a huge thanks to our players for their
dedication and commitment during the year
Stephen Lenaghan
Chairperson
11912023