Youths shine at Foundation of Light

The trip was not only a fantastic opportunity for all involved but memorable to say the least.

Coach Andy Stevenson talking after the trip said, “The lads proved to themselves that they are decent players and can play at a standard that they should be proud of. This trip should give that confidence and extra knowledge to keep improving and enjoying the game.”

With Sunderland Youth Coaches taking two coaching sessions and the Institute coaches taking one along with two competitive matches, it was a busy three day trip.

Although the first day consisted mainly of travel, Sunderland Youth Academy provided state of the art training facilities for the teenagers to do a light training session on arrival and to prepare for Saturday’s match.

Match day started with a pre-match meal before a behind the scenes tour of the Stadium of Light. The group then travelled on to the Foundation of Light to have coaches sessions with SAFC coaches. This was folllowed by a match against a Foundation of Light feeder team, Sunderland Ryhope.

On the Sunday the U15s travelled to play Tyne and Wear league side Farringdon at their Sports College.

Foundation of Light coaches took the ’Stute boys for a coaching session followed by a match against Farringdon. Sunderland provided lunch before entertaining the U15s at the Stadium of Light and VIP seats for their Premier League match against Norwich City.

Foundation of Light Elite Coach Rob Grainey was impressed with the boys attitude and ability throughout their stay. Rob encouraged the boys to work on the finer points of their game and emphasised the importance of control and balance along with space awareness. Points of which he said are crucial in player development. In fact, one or two of the boys in particular caught the eye of the highly experienced coach and he was glad to pass on some individual points which the boys found very encouraging.

Giving his opinion on the team performance as a whole, the Sunderland coach revealed he was thrilled with the style and composure of Institute, impressed they won both games. During one of the games Rob commented, “They are trying to play the proper way by finding space and keeping the ball.”

The boys themselves were all in unison in saying the trip was a worthwhile exercise, eager to put the advice they received into practice once returning home, where they play Section A of the NIBFA league.

Institute u-15 midfielder Stevie Connor said of the experience: “I gained more confidence as a midfield player by bonding more with my team mates which I felt meant we worked harder for each other so we wouldn’t let each other down.”

Team mate Kyle McGonigle was thoroughly impressed with the standard of coaching he received from the Sunderland coaches and relished in the standard of football that was played both by his own team and that of the home sides. He too added, “The intensity of the weekend made us bond so much more and I’m excited to get playing at home again to put this into practice.”

Institute Under 15 coach Ian Harper was thoroughly delighted with his squads’ performance during their time away.

“To come to Sunderland and play the football we did was a credit to the lads. Both the boys and myself have learned a great deal this weekend from the Sunderland staff and hope I can pass on the tuition we received from their coaches.”

Harper, who has worked extensively with the team for many years now felt enthused about the experience and added, “To win both games has given the team confidence knowing they can play and compete against good sides from across the water and I welcome their future from here.”

The coaches, players and parents who travelled to Sunderland all agreed that the welcome and indeed the state of the art facilities provided throughout the trip were highly impressive and the Institute Youth Academy would like to pass on their thanks to Sunderland AFC and the Foundation of Light staff for helping organising the tour.

Ian Harper and Andy Stevenson are delighted with the success of the trip and are proud of the boys’ superb attitude and performance both on and off the pitch.

Both men would like to thank their backroom staff on the trip – Steven Spratt, Jim Neill, Philip Greer and Bob Hill. Also special thanks to trip organisers – Yvonne Greer, Shirley Hill, Ruth Spratt, Christine McCloskey and Maura Henry.

Institute U15...4

Sunderland Ryhope U15...3

During their three day trip to Sunderland, the Under 15s played The Foundation of Light feeder team, Sunderland Ryhope and a great experience it was for all involved. SAFC coaches were in the dug out with Ian Harper and Andy Stevenson, passing on a wealth of experience to the Stute coaches.

The game was a very tight affair as Institute stepped up to a standard they haven’t played before. In the first 20 minutes both keepers had not been tested as the game was all about who controlled the possession. However, Ryan Henry put the away side one up as he slotted home from close range after good work by Reece Adair. Sunderland Ryhope equalised just before the break after a fine strike by the young striker.

Matthew Lynch scored straight after the break when he turned the home defender to finish low into the corner, 2-1. Once again the home side levelled 2-2 after a well worked move.

With 15 minutes left Craig Holmes, down ’Stute’s right, put in a lovely low cross for Kai Harper to latch onto and drove into the corner 3-2. Harper made it 4-2 when a fine ball from Stevie Connor found him a calm finish past the Ryhope keeper.

Sunderland Ryhope dominated the last ten minutes and got a well deserved third goal, however the Institute boys held on for a fine win 4-3.

Institute U15...6

Farringdon U15...1

Next up for the Under 15s were local Tyne and Wear side, Farringdon, and once again, Sunderland Foundation coaches were on the bench with Ian Harper and Andy Stevenson, passing on their knowledge.

’Stute U15s were full of confidence after their Saturday win and it showed throughout the game.

Early on a through ball from Cameron Hancock found Craig Holmes who rifled home 1-0. Farringdon didn’t get a chance to settle as a slick ’Stute side played excellent football. Matthew Lynch made it 2-0 with a fine finish.

’Stute were dominating and the 3G surface suited their neat play and on the half hour, Stevie Connor whipped in a corner for Diarmuid McDermott to head home.

The second half continued the same as the first, a solid back four of McGonigle, Spratt, McDermott and Deighan, set the platform for Hancock and Greer to provide the front men with chances.

’Stute went four up when Cory Hill finished low into the bottom corner after some fine play from Reece Adair. Farringdon’s best chance was thwarted by an outstanding save from ’Stute keeper Dean McCloskey, who had a super weekend in nets.

Lynch once again linked up with Hancock with 10 minutes left to make it 5-0. Cory Hill scored his second and Institute’s sixth of the game when he and Tommy Lee Deighan had some good interchanging.

Farringdon got a deserved consolation goal just before the final whistle with the final score ending Institute 6-1 Farringdon.

Young Kyle McGonigle earned Man of the Match from the ’Stute coaches while Cameron Hancock got the vote from the SAFC coach.