The Mini League Of Extraordinary Footballers

Holy, Wayne Rooney made an appearance!

atest press release from the Charlesland Mini League gang, issued on Sunday, August 6th 2023…

While the whole country faced torrential rain and high winds, it was going to take a lot more to dampen the enthusiasm and commitment of the children of Charlesland on the final day of the Charlesland Mini League.

This week, the greatest mini league in the world took place in Charlesland Greystones with almost 300 children from the ages of 5 to 13 years of age, took part in this annual event.

Such is the measure of success of the Mini League older kids of 14 years and older have now graduated to coach their younger counterparts.

The competition started on Monday, July 31 st and finished Saturday August 5 th , 2023. Over the six days, 60 games took place. On the final day, the Charlesland community created a festival atmosphere with the Civil Defence, a professional DJ, top class face painting and a gourmet barbecue.

The quality of football on show was of the highest caliber. Every child did themselves and their families proud. Every game had end to end excitement and it was Derry City and Napoli who won the girls final and boys final, respectively.

The worthy winners of both finals have now been invited to provide a guard of honor for Bray Wanderers when they take on Longford Town in the Carlisle Grounds at 3pm on Monday August 7th.

The winning line ups were as follows:

Derry City (coached by Niall Byrne) Brooke Felton, Caroline Mc Laughlin, Lucy Creamer, Luna Osborne, Saoirse Gallagher Brennan, Siofra Reddin and Sophie Mitchell.

Napoli (coached by Philip Byrne) Luka Lizis, Ben Hayes, Conor Byrne, Conor Hanlon, Dylan McKeon, Finn Dixon, Jack Creamer, Munahid Islam, Nigel Suneesh, Oscar Byrne and Sam O’Farrell.

It was another successful year organised by Colum Tinsley, Terry Watson and the new recruit to the committee, Karl Mc Laughlin.

The team now look forward to welcoming back the players for 2024. 

Thanks to Donal Farmer, Karen Tinsley and Nicole Mc Laughlin for de pics. 

Now, jump back through the years here.