WWEC U12’s League Emerging Talent Squad Enjoy’s Mare Nostrum Tournament

02 Apr WWEC U12’s League Emerging Talent Squad Enjoy’s Mare Nostrum Tournament

Brilliant Trip Enjoyed by WWEC U12 League Emerging Talent Squad

The W.W.E.C U12 emerging talent squad had a brilliant experience at the “Mare Nostrum Cup” in Futbol Salou, in Spain over the weekend. The trip proved to be really beneficial to both players, coaches and above all parents as it was a real eye opener and a terrific all round experience as the boys got to play some top teams, in their 12 match program.

Played at the Futbol Salou complex where 52 teams competed in our Under 12 section, we had three squads in action and all acquitted themselves very well with every squad getting at least one win in what was a competition where the standard was mixed, but two of the sides that we were defeated by went on to contest the final and that was also good to witness.

Having arrived on Thursday our three sides went into action on Friday in hot and humid conditions. First into action were our Red Squad where Emmett Freyne opened our account on foreign soil with a superb goal to give us the lead. Roan Riordan almost doubled our account but his brilliant finish was ruled out for a foul that was given against him in the tackle. Still the boys played on with Aidan Mansfield scoring before the break to put us two up. In 7 a side that lead can go and so it transpired as our opponent Parquesol scored two in reply to draw level. Sadly for us they managed to get a winner right at the death which was real hard luck on the boys.

Next up were our Navy Squad who faced Manresa C in what turned out to be a cracking contest and again the result went against us when Manresa got a last minute winner as the boys lost 1-0 in very hot conditions. It did not get any better as the morning went on with our White team really catching a tarter as they came up against the Reus Deportivo Academy side who were a really crack outfit who made it to the final. Still players such as Bailey Stuart, Marc Mahony and Jack Murphy worked hard, so after a tough morning the teams regrouped with a swim and some fun before the afternoon and evening second games wth all of the boys still in a positive mood.

Our second lot of games saw our Red team come up against another crack side in CF Igualda and they too played superb football, so much so that they turned out to be the ultimate winner, but to play against them was a real eye opener for our boys. Our Navy side continued to impress and after their unlucky defeat they recorded our first victory with a smashing 2-1 over Jacob Terrassa with goals from Kieran Sheridan and Cillian Tobin giving us the victory.

Our White team who had a real hard opening game really rose to the occasion under the floodlights and dug deep to fashion a brilliant 2-1 victory over C.E. Manresa with goals from Marc Mahony and a Jake O’Brien scorcher bringing a great days football to a close. Callum Barron with his passing Sean, Colin, Jack, Billy and Marc along with keeper Shane Martin excelled in this game to get a deserved win. After a long trip and a hard days football we had some down time, but our White Squad had an early morning call for a 9.00am game with another top side in MartorellC.F. who ran out 5-1 winners with Jack Murphy getting our goal. Our Red and Navy sides were both in action at the same time with the Red side facing a stylish Japaneese side Ekonoko who argubably had the best player on view as their mini Messi was a joy to watch. They had a really good style and technique which showed that you do not need to be big to play good football. While the defeated us they themselves were earlier beaten 6-0 by the REUS Academy but they were a joy to watch. Our Navy side also suffered defeat going down 3-1 in a tough encounter with U.E.St Joane Despi.

David Barry gave us the lead with a good finish but our opponent leveled just on half time with a controversial score as keeper Michael Wall appeared to be fouled but the goal stood. In the second half the intense heat was a factor as our opponents scored twice to get the win, but our boys had still done enough to come second in their group.

With just the top 16 teams going through to the Cup competition it was now a one off game for positions for all the remaining sides and here we finished our Saturday on a high as the boys really began to find their feet. After three tough group games our Red side were fully determined to get a win and goals from Rurai Robin allen and David Skehan gave us a good start against Terrassa FC. Our opponent did pull one back but Aidan Mansfield from play and a deflected Kevin O’Neill free kick left us 4-1 in front at the break. The boys were determined to hold out for the win with Patrick Daly strong at the back and further goals from David Skehan and two from Rurai Tobin Allen to complete his hat trick gave us the win with Rachel Stuart also sharing in the action, although Terrassa FC did score a late penalty as we won 7-2 leaving a delighted Red side Manager Timmy McGann with a happy squad.

Next up were our White Squad and they rose to the occasion too as Sean O’Connor put us in front against FC Gandesa. The lead was short lived as we conceded an equaliser, but neither side could add to their tally so it ended in a draw. We then got the chance to face another side due to a mix up in times as ourselves and Gandesa played a half each against Vitoria CD and in this game we also had a 1-1 draw with Billy McGann getting the goal as our White squad ended in a positive note for Manager Declan Barron Jnr.

Finally our Navy squad brought the day to a close with another brilliant display against Pare Mayanet who took an early lead in this contest, but the Navy boys again showed character with David Barry pouncing on a mistake to bring us level. It was to get even better as we then had our goal of the tournament as Cillian Tobin won a race for possession between the two full backs and the keeper and in full flight he lobbed the keeper with a sublime finish to put us 2-1 in front at the break. In the second half Alex Bowes and Rian French both went close to increasing the lead but it was in defence that we really stood up as Eoin McGrath, Jonathon Swayne and Fionn Coakley out in some great tackles as we held out for a splendid victory bringing a great day to a close for Manager Alan Coakley. Two wins and a draw was a great way to finish the football and then it was back to the complex for food and fun as the boys threw a few shapes on the Disco stage as they were allowed a late night.

With a free day on Sunday some chose to lie in, the dedicated followers of fashion hit the market in Salou while another dozen headed for Camp Nou where they had a great day out. The remainder took in the finals morning where CF Igunada stunned Reus Deportiu in the Under 12 final as their strength and commitment saw them score an early free kick and then a second goal to shock the favorites. Having faced both it was fascinating to watch as Igunada grew in stature and added a third to stun REUS. While REUS did get a goal back and come close it was Igunada that were crowned winners. Derby County Academy were also on view in the U16 final and they too came out on top. With games over it was shopping time as boots, jerseys etc were the order of the day before returning for our final evening on campus. With the gang fed and watered it was time for the pool tournament with Roan Riordan proving the master beating Billy McGann in the final. Basketball action was also part of the final action as a great week was enjoyed by players, mentors and parents, who really saw what the objective going forward is. A big thank you to DB Sports Tours who had everything spot on as a brilliant trip with fond memories was enjoyed by all.

Our three squads were Red: Michael Coakley, Roan O’Riordan, Aidan Mansfield, Ronan Mansfield, Rurai Tobin Allen, David Skehan, Emmet Freyne, Patrick Daly, Kevin O’Neill and Rachel Stuart.

White Squad: Shane Martin, Bailey Stuart, Sean O’Connor, Colin Dolan, Callum Barron, Marc Mahony, Jack Murphy, Billy McGann and Jake O’Brien.

Navy Squad: Michael Wall, Alex Bowes, Fionn Coakley, Cillian Tobin, David BarryKieran Sheridan, Eoin McGrath, Jonathon Swayne and Rian French.

The boys are now looking forward to next weeks Cork Cup, our remaining Inter League game with WEST CORK and then the Tracie Lawlor finals day in Wexford, before signing off for a few weeks.

Report by: Declan Barron Snr

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