Double delight for city teenagers

The Under 15's side which is managed by Paul Carlyle claimed the IFA National League U15 and the National League Cup, defeating Linfield on penalties in the final, after playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw.

Manager Paul Carlyle was thrilled by the teenager's achievement, despite having to overcome a few obstacles.

"I'm delighted because it's been very difficult for them given the training facilities in the town. We've only been able to use them two days a week, but there's seven of the boys in the tri-nations team ten of them playing in a cup between Derry and Tyrone, so given all that it's a good achievement."

"I think the likes of Ryan Callaghan, Cory Hegarty, keeper Kealan Mulcahy have done well, plus new players like Christian Gibson have come in but to be honest they have all done well, it wasn't really about any one individual."

As for next season the former Derry City winger knows life is going to be a whole lot more tougher for his youngsters, but he remains confident that the young boys can improve and go onto that next level.

"I think they will definitely go on to play at a decent level, here or in England, but we'll be signing two or three new players for next year because it's an important season for them."

As for team coach Paul Bradley he too believes the youngsters have a great chance of following in the same footsteps as Manchester United's Darron Gibson and Newcastle United's Shane Ferguson.

"We have ten players involved in the Milk Cup squads this year, while five players have also represented Northern Ireland at the recent Under 15 Development Squad Tri-Nations tournament, so it's great that those boys have all played at representative level.

"Hopefully some of the boys will be able to make it across the water and following in the footsteps of Darron Gibson, Shane Ferguson and Euan O'Kane.

"It's also great for the city that not just ourselves won the IFA National League at under 15 level, but Foyle Harps won the Under 14 title, so the future is certainly bright," concluded Bradley.