By Conlon Morrison, NCAFC Youth Academy Manager

Newry City Academy held our first presentation night on Thursday 26th June. Before the presentations our U12 team played a challenge match against our U13 team. All the parents attended and watched. The match was followed by photos of the players with their parents and coaches. Following this the presentation of the awards took place in the lounge which again was attended by all of the parents.

Under 12 awards
Player of the year: Rio McConnell
Players’ player of the year: Jason Rush
Annalong player of the tournament: Jack Jennings

Under 13 awards
Player of the year went to 2 players: Tiernan Murphy and Sean McConville
Players’ player of the year: Aiden Ovesen
NI Elite Panel representative trophy: Tiernan Murphy was awarded a special trophy for being selected for the NI Elite Panel
ESF player of the Ayr tournament in Scotland went to Mathew McGinn who was unbeatable at right back throughout the three day tournament.

Academy player of the year went to Tiernan Reilly who was brilliant all year and does it all with a smile on his face. The model academy player.

Thanks to John Moffett and Lee Kirrane our managing coaches who presented the trophies and made it all possible.

As Academy Manager i would like to thank Sean Gaffney our kitman, Willie Young for keeping our pitches perfect, Gary Wilson for finding willing sponsors, Michael Keenan our child protection officer and our committee who have fully supported our academy project.

I would also like to thank all of our coaches, volunteers and parents who are all part of this project that provides over 300 children with the opportunity to play soccer on a regular and ongoing basis.

Next season we have teams competing at all age groups and coaching for these teams starts after the July fortnight holidays.