Foyle Cup kick-off looms for Northend boys

Northend United Youth in their second appearance in this competition are represented by an U15 team under the direction of Manager Glenn Speirs.

The team are hoping to repeat their success of the previous year, wherein the Northend Boys carried off the Rosebowl Trophy at their first time of asking.

The Northend Blues have been busy practicing for this tournament from early June and have notched up some notable performances against Limavady United and Crusaders along the way.

The draw for the Foyle Cup has pitted Northend against Scottish Premier League Team, St. Johnstone, as well as Oxford United Stars and current Lisburn League Champions, Glentoran.

Northend have assembled a strong squad of players as they strive to make a good impression in the International Tournament.

The Foyle Cup Opening Parade of Teams commences at 11.00amon Tuesday morning with all the Teams participating in the Tournament parading from the old Ebrington Barracks site, across the Peace Bridge, along the ancient Walls and finishing off at the Guildhall.

With a number of parents of supporters travelling to cheer on the boys in this Tournament, a full list of Northend’s Foyle Cup Group matches is as follows:-

Monday 16th July Glentoran Vrs Northend United with a 5.00pm kick off at St Columb’s Park, Londonderry

Tuesday 17th July Northend United Vrs St Johnstone with a 3.00pm kick off at the Vale Centre, Greysteel

Wednesday 18th July Northend United Vrs Oxford United Stars with a 3.00pm kick off at Templemore Swilly, Londonderry

Thursday 19th July 7.00pm kick off - Knock out Group Stages

Friday 20th July 5.00pm kick off – Knock out Group Stages.

PLAYER PROFILES

Richard Sloan: Goalkeeper. An excellent shot stopper, Richard joined the Club for the Foyle Cup Tournament last season and has played in every game since for the team.

Ross Swan: Centre Back. A super reader of the game, Ross’s pace and ability prevents many strikers from getting past him. Equally strong in the air, he forms the central defensive partnership with Brendan O’Neill.

Thomas Brady: Left Back and midfield. One of the most skilful players on the team, Thomas scored some cracking goals for Northend during the last season. A true Clubman, he has been with Northend from his Mini Soccer days.

Connell Lemon: Forward. Newcomer to the squad, Connell brings a lot of experience at National League level to the team.

Niall Swann: Central Midfield. Tough in the tackle and strong in the air, Niall is the team’s engine room who covers every inch of the pitch during the game. Gives his all in every game and justifiably shared Player’s Player of the Year award last season.

Jamie Speirs: Central Midfield. Jamie is the Captain of the team and a central midfield powerhouse. Leads by example and scored an amazing 28 goals last season from his central his central midfield role. Has the ability to change the game with his visionary play.

Stephen Hare: Right Midfield. Equally at home in midfield or on the wing, Stephen scored 22 goals last season. Had an excellent end to the season which saw him win the Player of the Preston M&L Tournament.

Brendan O’Neill: Centre Back. Tough in the tackle, Brendan is equally at home with the ball at his feet, where he loves to play football out from the defence. A popular player in the team where he shared last season’s Player’s Player of the Year.

Anthony McAvoy: Mr Versatile. Has played in a number of positions for the team and always gives 100% in each position.

Keith Hall: Forward. Last season’s top goalscorer with 43 goals in League and Cup, the big Carrick man is one of the fastest players in the team. Keith is a former Carrick Rangers player and never misses training or match days; such is his commitment to the team.

Bryan Etherson: Left Midfield. A very competitive midfielder who is also strong in the air, Bryan joined Northend last season from Chimney Corner. Some outstanding displays for Northend during the season earned him the joint Player of the Year award.

Michael Laverty: Full Back. An excellent man marker, Michael gives 100% in every game for the Blues. Another true Clubman, Michael has been with the team for a number of years and never misses training or match days.

Jonny Hanlon: Right Back. Most improved player on the team last year. The right back is strong in the tackle and also comfortable on the overlap, providing width for the team and is really enjoying his football at the moment.

Reece McDonald: Forward. A newcomer to the squad, Reece has a super left foot and shows a lot of enthusiasm and displays potential for the future.

Michael Carberry: Defence. Michael is the youngest player on the team. Last season’s U14 Captain and their Player of the Year, he is showing maturity beyond his years. He can play in any of the defensive positions in the team.

Ryan Gault: Midfield. Ryan is a midfielder with an eye for the goals. He likes nothing better than to score the winning goal on the big occasions. He is also an accomplished goalkeeper who provides cover when required.

Glenn Speirs: Manager. Glenn has managed the current team to an outstanding year, winning a treble of League, Cup and Shield in the Belfast and East Antrim Youth League. In addition to this they also won the Foyle Cup Rosebowl tournament last summer and finished off as runners up in the M&L Easter Shield at Preston, England.

Glenn brings a vast knowledge of youth football to the team and will be ably assisted by Stephen McLees and Martin Etherson as assistant coaches and Sean Carberry as team physio.

SOUVENIR PROGRAMME

The forward thinking 1997 Team have produced a souvenir programme for their forth coming Foyle Cup Tournament. Full of articles and squad profiles, the programme priced at £1, can be purchased from a club official at the Tournament, with all proceeds will be ploughed in to meeting the costs for the tournament.

SUMMER FOOTBALL SKILLS FESTIVAL

Northend United are holding their Summer Football Skills Festival for 5 to 14 year olds, from Monday 6th August to Friday 10th August at the Ballymena Showgrounds from 7.00pm to 8.30pm each night.

Places are being booked up quickly and if you wish your child to be involved, please get in contact with any Club Official or Johnny Sayers on 07563854345. Application Forms can also be downloaded from Northend’s webpage on www.northendunitedyouthfc.co.uk.

Competitively priced at £15 for the week’s activities with a reduction for additional family members and is open to boys and girls, the fun and games will be supervised by Northend’s IFA Qualified Coaches for the duration of the week.