A Weekend Away
On the weekend of January 19-20 last our U-10D2 squad went on tour to Barçelona. After a weekend which included a mini-soccer tournament on the Saturday, a visit to the Nou Camp to see a Barçelona game on the Sunday and beach rugby on the Monday, the boys and Dads (and a few Mums) flew home on Monday night exhausted and exhilarated.
The Tournament
In an exciting three team tournament involving two local sides, Cabo came out on top with two wins. In the first game against Lleida, captain Charlie Banks led Cabo to an impressive 3-1 win. Goals from Rory Berkery, Charlie Banks and Robert Chadwick sent Cabo on its way. Aaron Walsh captained Cabo in the second game against Terassa where, in a tight game, goals from Charlie Banks and Rory Berkery secured a 2-0 win for Cabo.
Cathal Kinirons was outstanding in goals for Cabo, producing a number of fine saves in both games. Conor Murphy, Sean Donnelly and Patrick McEnroe were as reliable as ever in defence. Sean Bean and Luke Fleming played their hearts out in midfield and Cian Boylan, despite suffering from a knee injury, contributed greatly to a great team performance. All of the eleven players did their Mums and Dads on the sidelines proud. Everyone felt for Andrew McNamara, who was unable to make the trip and join in all the fun. In a very tight decision, Aaron Walsh was selected as player of the tournament.
Now for Another!
As a sign of the success of the trip, the parents are already debating the venue for next year's event! The team would like to thank Dermot Berkery for all his hard work and excellent project management in organising the trip.
The U-10D2 squad with managers Dermot (l) and Tony (r).
Charlie Banks exchanges pennants with the Lleida captain
The U-10D2 trip full entourage in Spain
Aaron Walsh exchanges pennants with the Terassa captain
The Terassa, Lleida and Cabo squads
Barça fans in the Nou Camp