Sunday 4 April.
Rosario Tournament
Last Sunday the munchkins of Greenisland Boys Club were invited to the Rosario U9's tournament on the Ormeau Road Belfast. We meet before noon at Greenisland to change. The sun was shining outside but we were unaware of the weather conditions that lay ahead.
We had 10 boys, sorry PLAYERS in the squad, of which 7 were representing Greenisland for the very first time. In fact some were playing in an organised match for the very first time.
The 7 a-side tournament had 4 different age groups ranging from U7 to U10.
On arrival we registered before a Milk Cup style parade with all the teams involved in the different age groups parading around the pitches. With proud parents, family and friends looking on.
In our section there were 5 teams St Marks Boys Club from Dublin, Shorts Boys Club from Belfast and 2 teams from Rosario Boys Club. We where on first match after the parade against St Marks when the weather became more akin to Scott Of The Antarctic than a spring day. With the wind reaching force 9 and nearby trees being uprooted the toss of a coin became very important as each match was played over 15 minutes straight with no changeover. Not only did we loose the toss but against a team that was bigger and stronger we completely lost are way in the opening 7 or 8 minutes going 2 nil down.
With the weather getting worse we where not so much worried about getting the ball out of our own half as to whether we would loose some off our boys in the blizzard that came on. Anyway back to the game and from playing like lost sheep for 10 minutes we started to put a few passes together and even got into there half which was no mean feat if you had have seen the weather blowing into the boys faces. With the boys getting more confident after a couple of strikes on goal we forgot about defending and St Marks scored again in the last few minutes to make the final score 0-3.
On the plus side all 10 players got a taste of what to expect and got better as the game went on. Well done to St Marks who by the way had 3 coach loads off players and supporters up with their 3 teams. They all watched our game so it was quite intimidating for some off our players. In fact some Irish League teams would be glad at the size of crowds watching.
For our second game we moved to a different pitch which was far bigger and suited us better with more space to play in. (The rest of the matches were played here) We played Rosario Boys and the transformation was a sight to behold, from wondering sheep to a team who looked like they had played together for years. (Good Coaches) ha ha. Again we lost the toss and played into a howling wind but such was our football this time you wouldn't have known. Going forward the ball hardly left the ground and the boys kept their shape better with their movement excellent for ones so young. For the record we lost 2-0 I think (I was still drowling over the football played) that I hadn't a clue what the score was, this time we created numerous chances and but for good goalkeeping from the Rosario player we would have scored. Again all 10 players took part and ALL did well.
After surviving a hailstorm blizzard when all 10 players, family and friends had to huddle behind 2 umbrellas we meet another team from Rosario . This time we won the toss (Thanks Gavin) and had for the only time on the day the wind behind us. The game started and the boys carried on where they left off in the last game passing and moving to support each other. Regularly putting 3 and 4 passes together with some individual skills that would not have been out of place in SERIE A. The Rosario keeper was recreating The Alamo as he single handedly made save after save to deny Greenisland a victory. How the game finished 0-0 was unbelievable, and could have been worse because in the last minute Rosario finally got out off they're half to break away and only for Nathan in goals who made a wonder save we would have lost.
We finished our tournament against Shorts who play in a league together so this was going to be a good test. Into a stiff breeze we again played some magnificent football putting together passes that was a joy to behold. Finally we scored a goal just as everyone was beginning to think it wasn't to be, through Kyle McKeown with a left foot shot that nearly ripped the net out. Again there keeper made numerous saves to deny us another goal (Who takes the shooting practice Gillsy) before Shorts who played very well themselves went on to score in the last minute to earn a draw. All 10 players played in all 4 games, which was the most important thing. The results didn't matter one bit as long as the boys enjoyed themselves that's what it was for, and for them to play against other boys clubs to see what they can expect when they play in leagues, as they get older.
In closing to all the parents who stayed throughout in terrible conditions to support the boys we thank you. To Rosario Boys Club for there warm words off welcome at the opening ceremony and too all the referees who did a splendid job. To the teams we played in a friendly and sporting manner we thank you all. But mostly to ALL 10 boys who were representing Greenisland Boys Club some for the first time you were a credit to your parents to the coaches and Greenisland Boys Club with your attitude, discipline, appearance and your performances, which started like a Robin Reliant and finished like a Ferrari. Sunday 4th April will not be remembered for Millwall getting to their 1st F A Cup final but for the boys who played in their first very own cup finals. Well done boys you made us all proud!

The Squad - NATHAN STRANAGHAN (goalkeeper) TOM MAGEE, REECE GLENNDENNING, CONNOR McGRATH, CHRIS HOOD, GAVIN RICHARDS, KYLE McKEOWN, ROSS HULL, JASON BEATTIE, JAMIE McCLAREN.

Every One A Winner

Well done and a big thank you to all the 'Munchkins' and Coaches who attended throughout the year.
This year saw the Mini Soccer grow considerably in numbers, and it was fantastic for me as Mini Soccer Co Ordinator, to see how each and every kid developed their own football and indeed social skills, throughout the season.
These kids come in all shapes and sizes, and from different cultures and backgrounds, but the minute they come through the gates there is only one thought in their heads.
'Football, Football, Football'

We have seen the numbers rising from approximately 65 in September, to a maximum 95 in March, and the kids range from 5 year olds up to 9 year olds. Much of our success this year was on the back of last years Football Fun Week in July, so it frightens me to imagine how many will turn up at the start of next season!.
A big thank you to Kenny Robb, Colin Scott, Jeff Montgomery, John Lee and Paul O'Kane for all their 'childminding' throughout the year. The Munchkins could not operate so successfully and efficiently without this team of dedicated coaches. Thanks also to Dennis McCord and Colin Sewell for their help and assistance at the latter part of the season.
Last but not least, I would like to thank all the Mums, Dads, Grannies, Grandads, Uncles and Aunties who are 'dragged' from their beds every Saturday morning to bring their kids to what is the highlight of their week. Much of the success of this club is down to the dedication and support of all these people.

I hope the kids have enjoyed all the coaching, games and fun that we have had all year, and I look forward to seeing the same 'angelic little faces' next season.

Yours in Sport,
Neil Reynolds

Remember Kids,
You only have to do your best to be a winner!

Greenisland Boys at Windsor Park

Some say freindly international games are a waste of time, but try telling that to the eight boys from Greenisland Under 9's who were chosen to play at half time during the recent Northern Ireland v Spain game at Windsor Park. The boys Jonny Robinson, Mathew McNiell, Adam Richmond, David Flanaghan, Phillip Mulholland, Samuel Duff , Kyle Reynolds and Ciaran Gillan travelled to Windsor Park dressed immaculately in claret and sky blue - on their best behaviour as usual. The scale of the occasion was evident as "wide eyed" youngsters watched stars from the past and present file into the players entrance. Chatter was incessant when Uggy asked, "who is the best player in the world?". Answers came from all directions! We took our seats among the Spanish supporters, who were awash with their national colours of red and gold. A tremendous atmosphere was being created by their most famous supporter, Manolo, a giant of a man who has banged his drum and conducted his supporters all over the world. In gesture never to be forgotton, this gentle giant swapped scarves with Mathew McNeill who now has a treasured memento. As the game got underway, Spain ripped into a young Northern Ireland side and the Spanish voices were joined by a few Greenisland voices shouting "Espani! Espani!". Just before half time we got changed into our kits and made our way down to the pitch, where the IFA had set up a pitch in front of the North Stand, holding most of the Northern Ireland supporters. The game began and Greenisland settled quickly into their familiar passing style with quick and decisive attacks against their opponents from Riada. These boys can certainly play a bit and under the quidance of Robert "Uggy" Gilliland have come on leaps and bounds. The crowd certainly enjoyed the game and gave rich applause to the two young teams. Greenisland raced into a 3 - 0 lead with a superb hat trick from Ciaran Gillan. At the end handshakes were exchanged and the Boys milked the applause from the crowd. As we headed around the ground towards the Kop, the boys had one last surprise for the Northern Ireland faithful, stopping in front of the Kop and raising their shirts one by one to reveal the message, "S-P-A-I-N-8-2", that was a night to remember for football fans then and this was definately one for EIGHT BOYS FROM GREENISLAND.

Special thanks to IFA developement coach Jim Grattan for making this such a special night.

Written by Glenn Dorrian

Saturday 24 February saw the Grand Final of the Soccer 2000 National 5 a side knockout competition, which was launched over a year ago at the Belfast City Hall. The competition which was part of the millennium celebrations was for boys and girls aged 8 and 10 and the teams that took part were from all over Northern Ireland. The initial qualifying tournament heats were held in the summer and the winners and runners up qualified for the finals. A total of 64 teams met in the Odyssey Centre to battle it out for the Specsavers Trophy and the Specsavers Cup, the crowds of supporters who turned out to watch were entertained to 160 games of football. The Greenisland Under 8's qualified as Newtownabbey Champions and had the privilege of being the first football team to play football in this fantastic arena, and ironically young David Flanaghan had the distinction of being the first player to score a goal ---- and what a goal it was!
The Munchkins as they are affectionately known as qualified to the last 16 with 4 points out of a possible 6, by putting on spirited passing performances each time they took to the pitch.

Group One Results and Scores

Greenisland 2 - Bangor Cub Scouts 0 (scorers Phillip Mulholland and David
Flanaghan)
Greenisland 0 - Larne Colts 1
Greenisland 1 - Tullagh United 1 ( scorer Phillip Mulholland)

In the Quarter Finals the Munchkins defeated the 1st Bangor Cub Scouts 4 - 0 with goals from Phillip Mulholland, Kyle Reynolds, Jonathon Robinson and David Flanaghan. More importantly, on their way to victory the Munchkins played an attacking passing game. Killo Sauzs from County Fermanagh were the other worthy finalists. Mere mortals would have been shattered by this late stage in the evening but the
boys were raring to go. Two well taken goals by the "pocket the rocket" Ryan Stewart secured the title and the trophy. Overall the Munchkins had an impressive record in the finals with 5 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat. This was due to the goal keeping heroics of Ross Miskimmin, the improvisation and defensive qualities of Adam Richmond and Jonathon Robinson, the flare and skill of Kyle Reynolds and
David Flanaghan and the cool and deadly finishing of Phillip Reynolds and Ryan Stewart.

Munchkins Play Against Teams From Ballymena

On Saturday 3rd February, Greenisland Boys Football Club invited 3 Under 8 teams from Ballymena to play in a round robin tournament at the Valley Leisure Centre In Newtownabbey. All teams had players in their sides preparing for the forthcoming Northern Ireland Soccer 2000 Competition to be held at the Odyssey Centre in Belfast at the end of the month. From the level of skill and football on view they all should look forward to a good competition. All the Coaches and Committee at GBFC would like to say a special thanks to Billy O'Flaherty, all the coaches and parents who accompanied all the young footballers from Ballymena. See you all soon for more football and fun!! GBFC was represented by: Ross Miskimmon, Kyle Reynolds, Adam Richmond, Phillip Mulholland, and Ryan Stewart.

Congratulation Billy From GBFC

In the Queens New Years Honour List Billy O'Flaherty from Ballymena received an MBE for his contribution to the Community and Youth Football. Billy works along with Davy Munn (GBFC) in the County Antrim organizing committee of the annual Northern Ireland Milk Cup and works with his local community in Ballymena. Congratulations and well done from everyone associated at GBFC.

(Kyle Reynolds age 8 presents Billy O'Flaherty MBE with a Tankard from all his Friends at GBFC)

Under 9's Win The Specsavers 2000 Tournament 24th Feb. 2001

The under 9''s won the Plate competition which was held at the Odysse Centre in Belfast in Spectacular style. They finished 3rd in their group and only conceded one goal in the 7 games they played all day. The results are as follows:

Group Competition

Game 1 - Greenisland 1 1st Bangor Cub Scouts 0

Game 2 - Greenisland 0 Larne Youth 1

Game 3 - Greenisland 0 Tullagh United 0

Plate Competition

1st Round - Greenisland 4 Mini Rovers 0

Quarter Finals - Greenisland 2 1st Bangor Cup Scouts 0

Semi Finals - Greenisland 1 Apex Sky Blues 0

Final - Greenisland 2 Killo'Saurs 0

Squad - R. Miskimmon, R. Stewart, D. Flannigan, P. Mullholland, A. Richmond, K. Reynolds, J. Robinson

The teams playing performance and their behavior was superb throughout the whole day, congratulations to all the players and coaches.

Players Photos

Any parents or relatives who have photographs of their children or family playing football for Greenisland Boys can submit them to me and I will put them on their teams page. You can scan them and e-mail them to me or give them to the coaches to pass on. If you do scan them safe the photo as a j-peg using 72 resolution and 5 inches width.

Greenisland Boys Mini Soccer School

The objective of this section of our club is to create footballing facilities for the young children. The age group of the mini soccer school is between 6 - 9 years, when the school started we had 8 boys and now the numbers have swollen to over 100 boys. It is a cross community school with 9 coaches from different footballing backgrounds. This group of young children are seen as the future of our club and as such are a very valuable asset. We offer appropriate learning opportunities to all children regardless of their abilities. We focus on the needs of the children and answer these through progressive coaching and mini soccer in a friendly and fun football environment.

The Objective of our mini soccer school are as follows:

• to be enjoyable.

• to introduce children to the world of sport by understanding the purpose of football and:

  1. Playing in a team
  2. playing to rules
  3. playing to win(but not at all costs)

• to capture children's imagination.

• to give children the opportunity to develop a sporting interest.

• to give children an appreciation of football skills, whoever displays them.

• to encourage children to compete fairly and become informed spectators.

• to develop self esteem as a result of acquiring skills, playing, observing and understanding rules.

• to prepare children for adult activities which will increase and sustain their interest in football later in life.

• to develop them as individuals on and of the pitch.

All Children between the ages of 6 - 9 years are welcome to participate and you can do this by e-mailing us at this address at the bottom of this page. Alternatively come along to our training sessions at Greeniland starting September 3rd 2005. Children born between 1998 and 1999 start at 09:30 and children born between 1996 and 1997 start at 10:30