Foyle Cup fever builds for Northend United sides

Northend United Youth have long been associated with this tournament and are represented this year by an U10 and U13 team who are both making her debuts in the competition.

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

The U10 Northend Boys will play in the mini-soccer section and have been drawn against Clonmany Shamrocks, Trojans, Saint Oliver Plunketts, Bertie Peacock Youths and East Donegal Colts.

Northend United U13s have been drawn in a tough group which pits the local Ballymena Boys against the hosts Derry City in a match which promises to draw a huge crowd of spectators and visiting scouts alike. In addition, the Northend Boys have been drawn against Shankill Colts and another top local side, Institute, in what promises to be another close game.

U13 PLAYER PROFILES

Conor Brennan - Goalkeeper. Great shot-stopper who has grown in confidence since signing in January. Has potential to be a top goalkeeper.

Sam Frew - Defender. Sam has had great first season at right back. He is strong in the tackle and loves getting forward to help the front-men.

Stuart Lecky - Defender. First choice left-back in the team. Been at Club since age of nine and has developed massively this year. Also loves getting forward to support his forwards.

Robert McCluney - Defender. Centre - back/sweeper. Robert has been at the Club since age of nine and a true Clubman. Reads the game brilliantly and starts most of clubs moves from backline. This player has massive potential.

John Brady - Defender/Midfield. John joined the Club from Chimney Corner last season. John’s best position is centre-back where he is a natural but loves getting forward. Has an eye for goal.

Niall Craig - Midfield. Niall joined Northend United from Chimney Corner last season. Tenacious in the tackle, he’s Northend’s version of Mascherano. When he keeps the game simple he is as good a midfielder as any around.

Robert Iovu - Midfield. Robert joined the team at start of last year after being discovered in the Dare to be Different program. He is the fastest player at the Club and had a great first season. Has everything a midfielder requires. Great in the air, good passer of the ball and has an eye for goal.

Matthew Willighan - Midfield. Matthew has been at Club since age of nine. He moved from full-back to midfield last season. Best passer of a ball at the Club. Great first touch and loves playing football the way it should be played; on the ground.

Tom Patchett - Midfield/Forward. Tom joined the Club from Chimney Corner last season and had great first season at Club. Always wants the ball and works tirelessly for his team-mates. He has a great attitude for the game plus superb left foot.

Ruairi Campbell - Forward. Ruairi has been at Club since age of nine and moved from defence/midfield to his natural position of centre forward last season. The Club’s leading goalscorer last season, when he scored over 30 goals in Lisburn League. The team’s dangerman.

Conor McGarry - Midfield/Forward. Conor has been at Club since age of nine and a Northend clubman through and through. Has great left foot, an eye for goal, very unselfish player and probably assisted more goals then anyone else last season.

Connal Gordon - Midfield. Connal has been at Club since age of ten and plays on right hand-side of midfield. Best player in training at the club. Towards end of last season, began carrying this good form into matches. When his confidence high, he is as good as anyone on right hand side.

Philip Kyle - Forward. Plays on right hand side of midfield or up front. Deadly in the box with a great first touch and when in form, he guarantees you goals.

Thomas McAuley - Defender/Midfield. Thomas has been at Club since age of nine and plays anywhere in defence or midfield. He is one of the best trainers at the Club.

Chris Fullerton - Forward. Chris is an old-fashioned centre-forward, who is strong, with a good first touch and an eye for goal. Sam Robinson - Defender. Sam previously played with Ballyclare Colts but is very keen to represent Club at Foyle Cup. Strong left footed defender who will go far.

Robbie Jones - Defender/Midfield. Robbie is a new signing for this season. Can play anywhere on right hand side and is developing into a very good footballer.

SPONSORSHIP

The teams have received a number of sponsorships for the Foyle Cup including energy drinks from Norbev and a number of footballs from Tower Signs and the Club passes on its thanks to these companies for coming onboard.