The Northern Ireland Cerebral Palsy (CP) development squad finished first overall in the development section at this year’s Dublin CP International Football Festival.
The CP development team, made up of players aged 12 to 15, won all four of their games at the tournament.
In their first match they defeated Republic of Ireland-based CP Academy 3-0 and followed that up with an 8-4 win against Syngenta CP from Scotland.
Manchester’s CP United were the opposition in game three and the Northern Ireland boys won it by six goals to one.
Their fourth and final match saw them come up against CP Soccer from USA. It was a much tighter affair than the other matches, however they prevailed on a 4-3 scoreline.
Coach Mal Donaghy said: “It was a great experience for our players to play similar teams from the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England and the USA.
“To win all four games was pleasing but, more importantly, the games were all played in a really positive environment and the players will grow immensely from this. The organisers deserve great credit for arranging the competition and doing such a good job in running it.”
The coach said all the Northern Ireland players had performed well, however he gave a special mention to Keegan Moore, who scored five goals in the victory over Syngenta CP.
The Northern Ireland CP development squad featured Harry Willis (from Comber), Finn Mullin (Carrickfergus), Oisin McGurk (Magherafelt), Kyle Faulkner (Belfast), Declan McDonnell (Belfast), Keegan Moore (Randalstown), Jude Sheldon (Armagh), Conor Byrne (Belfast), Kayden Letters (Randalstown), Owen Price (Dundonald) and Rueben Kearney (Carryduff).
If you or someone you know has cerebral palsy and is interested in getting involved with the Northern Ireland CP team or CP football please email IFA Disability Manager Alan Crooks at acrooks@irishfa.com
