The next instalment of our end of season review is another team focus. This time Marty Murphy's outstanding 2006 born under 11 squad.
Their season started with the boys picking up The Foyle Cup last July in their 1st year representing Glentoran Academy in Londonderry. As was the case with the victorious under 13 side, the boys had a special week of bonding and togetherness in the North West that help propel their season in an upward trajectory. From the opening weekend of the their South Belfast Youth League campaign they hit the ground running and with the quality and attitude combined with the early season momentum they went on to win their league without defeat.
This was achieved while rotating the players and ensuring good playing time for all and even rotating them through varying positions to learn new roles.
When the team were presented with the League Winners Cup at the end of the season they were asked by the SBYL to officially name the Cup as it was the first time it had been awarded. It was decided by Marty, Ken Smith and Paul Harvey (coaches) to call it the Dorman and Doherty Memorial Cup as two of the young players in the squad, Harry Dorman and Aodhan Doherty both sadly lost grandparents whom they were very close to during the season this was seen as a fitting tribute.
In addition to the league triumph this team entered the NIBFA Cup for the first time and went all the way to claim the trophy in a magnificent goal-fest final winning 6-4 against Tri-Star on May Day to complete a glorious double.
Th2 2016/17 Roll of Honour in terms of silverware was:
NIBFA Northern Ireland Cup Winners.
Foyle Cup Winners.
SBYL League Winners.
(In addition to the above the boys won several regional tournaments)
However as regular readers of Academy updates will know, we judge our success on the quality of our players rather than simply on trophies won. Therefore, while it is only right to celebrate success and praise our players for their victories it is more important to note the achievements and developmental milestones of those players: The list below will give some idea of the quality within this under 11 side:
Nine of this Glentoran 2006 squad being selected by CLUB NI - Jay Harvey, Reece Lyttle, Colby Smith, Jack Hastings, Rhys Walsh, Aodhan Doherty, Killian McCandless, Lucas Miskimmin and Ryan Kerr
- 5 players selected for The Swansea City FC development centre - Harry Dorman, Jay Harvey, Colby Smith, Rhys Walsh and Ryan Kerr
- 2 players selected for the Liverpool FC development centre also Aodhan Doherty and Killian McCandless
- 1 player selected for Manchester United development centre - Reece Lyttle
Below is a brief interview with Coach Marty Murphy:
Seasons With Glentoran:
"4 seasons."
Most Enjoyable Game:
"To be honest, i enjoy every minute i get coaching this young group of players and friends. Their togetherness and friendship as a squad is perfectly balanced and they are a joy to watch most of the time. If i had to honestly pick one game that sttod out for me this season it would be the "NIBFA CUP Final" recently. After going 2-0 down in the first 10 mins with a couple of silly mistakes, the strength and depth they found in each other as a team to bounce back with some super football and that " Never Give Up " attitude they show week in week out was for myself great to watch as a coach. I felt we were in control of most of the game, we used the space on the pitch very well and never let the ball stay still for a moment. Eventually going on to Win 6-4 overall and claim the NIBFA Cup."
Best performance:
"For me it had to be the Second Round tie vs Roe Valley up in Limavady with a10am ko and a very early start for our boys we hit the ground running. The game in fairness was very end to end and was always hoing to be a case of whoever takes their chances will win it. We controlled the play and again used the space on the pitch very well as a team and went on to win 2-1."
Proudest Moment:
"This season it has to be watching all the boys week in week out develop as a team and have fun ! Win, Loose or Draw ! Its great to see friendships continue and grow constantly."
Best Advice:
"TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM-WORK "
He boys will continue playing and training hard over the summer period with lots of action to look forward to, including another tilt at the Foyle Cup along with several regional invitational competitions
Managers Comments on the summer ahead:
"With the new season steadly approaching all the boys are looking forward to playing together in the National League.
With 3 new players - Rhys Walsh, Ryan Kerr and Jack Hastings - already joing a talented young squad the boys cannot wait.
I would like to personally thank every player for their continued efforts in training and match days as a squad and long may it continue. I as a coach thrive on seeing you all enjoy your games, develop and most importantly have fun in the process.
I will finish by saying a huge thankyou to both Ken Smith and Paul Harvey for all their help running this team on a weekly basis. Without these guys the task would be impossible !!