Youth Report
Thursday 1 Oct – Sunday 4 Oct 2026
Boys
Age group
2009s
Town
v Newcastle Town
We won! 🎉The 2009 Town boys dug deep for a hard-fought comeback win against Newcastle Town last weekend. It was a game that asked real questions of them early on, and they found themselves behind at the break — but there was no panic, just a determination to turn things around.
💬 Coach's report
And turn it around they did. The boys came out for the second half full of belief, took full control of the match and completed the comeback in style, with Oisin, Conal and Zach doing the damage in front of goal. Another good team performance from a group that showed real character when it mattered most.
Age group
2012s
Town
v Camlough Rovers
We won! 🎉What a response from the 2012 Town lads last weekend against Camlough Rovers — determined to bounce back after a tough outing a fortnight before, they went out and put in a real performance. Tiernan opened the scoring after great work from Naoise on the wing, and although Camlough hit back against the run of play, the lads kept creating; Tiernan rattled the bar, and stand-in keeper Jack produced a great save just before the break to keep the momentum with the Town.
💬 Coach's report
The second half saw the boys step up another gear, playing some lovely passing football and creating chance after chance, with Niall, Tiernan and club debutant Pat all finding the net as the lads took control. Camlough kept battling to the end, but the game was seen out fairly comfortably, and every single player should be proud of his performance. A special mention for Pat on a debut to remember — scoring on your first appearance for the club doesn't happen every week!
Age group
2013s
Town
v Lisburn City
We won! 🎉A top-class performance from the 2013 Town lads last weekend made it back-to-back wins as they took on Lisburn City. It was a dominant display from start to finish, with every one of the lads on top of his game and putting in a real shift. The first half brought numerous clear-cut chances without quite the finishing touch, but the lads never let it faze them — Lisburn City were a big, physical side, yet our boys won their individual battles all over the pitch, and the longer the game went on the more they wore them down and played some lovely football.
💬 Coach's report
The breakthrough came about ten minutes into the second half, some really good combination play down the left wing ending with Jamie crossing for Adam to volley home past the keeper. Confidence grew from there, and the second was a great individual effort — Connaire intercepting a pass on the halfway line, playing a lovely one-two with Odhran and firing into the bottom corner from just outside the box. As good as the football was, the most pleasing part was the defending: the back four produced their best display of the season, full of aggression, intensity and composure, and gave Lisburn next to nothing all game. Onwards and upwards!
Forest
v Oxford Sunnyside
We drew 🤝The 2013 Forest lads served up another entertaining game against Oxford Sunnyside last weekend, against a side that always gives us a real test. The lads started with great sharpness and hunger both with and without the ball, and the nice passing and movement that's been the focus in training recently was there for all to see. It paid off too — Stephen put the Forest in front with a well-taken goal, and Lewis was on hand soon after to finish from a scramble in the box. Lewis wore the armband and put in a fine captain's performance, causing the Oxford defence problems all game.
💬 Coach's report
A full bench meant several fresh legs at half time, and there was a special moment as Aodhan made his debut for the Forest. Oxford battled their way back into the game after the break, but the lads kept pushing and pressed for a winner right until the very end. It was a committed performance from every single one of them, and there were plenty of contenders for Player of the Match — an excellent game from Lewis, Dylan dominant in defence, and an energetic display from Alfie, who just shaded it on this occasion.
Age group
2015s
Town
v Windmill Colts
We won! 🎉The 2015 Town boys made the trip to Lisburn last weekend to take on Windmill Colts and came home with a win that keeps the momentum rolling. Jake put the Town in front, and when Windmill pushed back, Owen was equal to it with a brilliant double save — it took something really special to get anything past him all game. Going forward the boys carried a threat throughout, with Darragh, Rian and Daniel all lively in attack, while the defence was expertly run by Kayden, Luke and Cillian.
💬 Coach's report
Jake's best moment was still to come — picking the ball up, running at the defence and beating a couple of defenders on a lovely run before finishing powerfully past the keeper. The boys dug in and held out to see the game home, and with just one defeat in their last six outings, this group is looking absolutely full of confidence. Keep it going, boys!
Forest
v Rosario Tigers
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2015 Forest boys came up against Rosario Tigers last weekend, and although the result went against them, it was a much closer contest than the outcome suggests. The boys did a lot of good things once again, and Henry and Malachi both got themselves on the scoresheet to show for it.
💬 Coach's report
There's plenty of encouragement to take from the performances this group keeps putting in — the football is heading in the right direction, and if the boys keep working like this the results will follow. Henry and Ruadhri were the pick of the bunch on the day, with Daithi and Luca putting in a great shift too. Keep going, boys — it's coming!
Age group
2016s
Town
v Ballynagross
We drew 🤝There were high hopes going into last weekend's match against Ballynagross after a good friendly and a week of hard work in training — and the 2016 Town boys delivered what was probably one of their best performances so far. They started on the front foot with really positive play in midfield from Eanna, Cian and Leo, while anything Ballynagross sent forward was dealt with calmly by Fionn and Brian Óg at the back. Connor had a cracking shot from outside the box fly just over the bar, and the chances kept coming.
💬 Coach's report
The second half was more of the same, with the boys pressing hard and looking like the only team that could win it — Leo crunched one effort against the post and found the side netting with another. The final few minutes saw Ballynagross penned in under corner after corner, and although it wasn't to be on the day, this was a display full of quality and effort. Man of the match went to Fionn at the back — simply nothing gets past him, winning the ball and playing out from the back time after time. Great performance again, boys!
Forest
v TW Braga
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2016 Forest boys took on a very good TW Braga side last weekend — a team currently sitting top of the league unbeaten — and more than played their part. The boys started the game strongly and, despite the quality of the opposition, put Braga under plenty of pressure. A change of formation after the break saw them battle hard in the middle of the park, and Lorcan came so close to a special moment when he raced through one-on-one with the keeper, only for his effort to come back off the upright — on another day that goes in and it's game on.
💬 Coach's report
Against very tough opposition, the boys can take plenty of positives from this performance. They battled, worked hard and never stopped fighting right until the final whistle, and nobody summed that up better than Oisín — a tireless display in which he battled for every ball, put in some strong tackles and never gave up. Plenty for this group to build on, and they'll be back at it next week.
Colts
v Lisburn City Colts
We drew 🤝Another brilliant effort from the 2016 Colts last weekend against Lisburn City Colts. An early setback didn't knock the boys out of their stride one bit — they kept their structure, worked tremendously hard to battle their way back into the game, and Jethro's real determination was rewarded with his first goal of the season. The boys finished the first half strongly, creating several chances and giving Lisburn nothing easy at the other end.
💬 Coach's report
The second half picked up right where the first left off, with the boys pressing high from midfield and playing some lovely passing football through the middle, and Boyd capped the pressure with a well-taken finish. They looked good value for the win too, denied only by a terrific Lisburn free kick in the dying seconds — credit to the opposition for a great strike, but the boys can be hugely proud of a performance full of fight and quality. This group keeps putting in brilliant shifts week after week.
Age group
2017s
Town
v Newcastle
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2017 Town boys took on a strong Newcastle side under the lights last week, and although the result didn't go their way, there was an awful lot to be proud of. Even with a couple of regular faces missing from midfield, the lads created numerous chances, never stopped running and fought right to the final whistle — a real credit to every one of them.
💬 Coach's report
The highlight of the evening was Liam's great goal, which gave the whole team a lift, and his all-action display summed up what this group is about. The performances have been better than the results suggest, and once a bit of momentum returns the tide will turn for these boys — they'll be working hard in training and going again with smiles on their faces next week.
Liam never stops running and always plays positive football, looking to push the boys forward at every chance. He showed great character and drive from the first whistle to the last. Well done, wee man!
Forest
v Taughmonagh Boys
We won! 🎉The 2017 Forest boys headed to Lisburn last weekend to take on Taughmonagh Boys and came away with exactly what a fantastic team display deserved. The boys were on the front foot from the off, and the early pressure paid off when Daithi arrived at the back post to ram a beautiful cross into the back of the net. Taughmonagh made a real game of it with some spells of pressure of their own, but the boys responded brilliantly every time, pressing as one and playing some great one-touch football, with Cody, Gavin and Seanan all getting on the scoresheet with well-finished goals — and goalkeeper Caelan produced the save of the day, somehow getting down to turn the ball around the post. The second half brought more of the same high-tempo football, with the boys constantly encouraging each other and Cody, Gavin and Seanan finding the net again.
💬 Coach's report
It was far from just an attacking show, either — Odhran, Daire, Caelan and Eoin had everything well marshalled and controlled in defence and midfield, each stepping up at important moments, with captain Daire once again showing why nobody has got the better of him yet. Best of all, after the game the referee went out of her way to compliment the squad on how respectful they were to her throughout — a real credit to how these lads conduct themselves every single week. Player of the Week went to Cody, who was fantastic all game, running off the defenders' shoulders beautifully, making space for himself and finishing clinically — though as the coaches said, on a team performance like this, every single one of the lads deserved it.
Age group
2018s
Town
v Hillsborough, Oxford Sunnyside and Ballymacash
We won! 🎉3 Wins - Town
💬 Coach's report
What a statement from the 2018 Town boys last weekend — three games, three wins, after making the step up from section 1B to the top section 1A, and they showed exactly why they belong there. The Hillsborough game could hardly have started better, with a goal inside seconds, and the boys kept the foot on the gas and never let up, with every single player brilliant. Oxford Sunnyside then proved an excellent team, and with nothing between the two sides for most of the game it took something special — the boys simply wanted it more, pulling away near the end with TJ rising to the occasion through sheer non-stop work rate.
Ballymacash made it a tight one to finish, but the boys' passing and clinical finishing proved the difference as they wrapped up a perfect day. A special word for Jonathan, who was unbelievable in nets — his brilliant saves and bravery, especially in the Oxford game, kept the Town in front of the tide when it mattered most and earned him the match ball... and the Man of the Match award. This group has taken the step up to the top section completely in their stride — brilliant stuff, lads!
Forest
v Glendowan FC, Downshire Dynamos and Rosario
Fun football — no scores kept, loads of smiles! ⚽2 Wins, 1 Loss - Forest
💬 Coach's report
The 2018 Forest boys enjoyed a cracking day of football last weekend. They started on fire against Glendowan FC, flying out of the blocks with Shane and Harry on target early, Thomas making an instant impact by getting on the scoresheet just after coming on, and Lorcan and Alfie joining in on the goals in a brilliant team display. Downshire Dynamos then provided a really tough test against a very good side, but the lads stuck at it superbly — Jack, Cormac and Lorcan hassled and harried from first whistle to last, and lovely goals from Zach and Shane were just reward for the effort they put in.
The day finished in style against Rosario, with the boys in control from start to finish. Harry was simply unstoppable in front of goal — not even a spell on the bench could slow him down, as he picked up right where he left off — and Zach rounded off the performance with a late strike. Harry's displays across the day earned him Forest Player of the Week, and it was thoroughly deserved. A great day's work from the whole group!
Colts
v Banbridge Town Tigers, Moira FC Blues and Colin Valley Colts
Fun football — no scores kept, loads of smiles! ⚽1 Win, 2 Draws - Colts
💬 Coach's report
The 2018 Colts gave a great account of themselves last weekend with three games against Banbridge Town Tigers, Moira FC Blues and Colin Valley Colts. There was some lovely team play and passing in the opener against Banbridge, with Jeffery getting himself on the scoresheet and Oryn finishing off a lovely move with a neat finish. The Moira game was a real battle — end to end and hard-tackling from both teams — and Jeffery and Oryn were both on target once again.
Against Colin Valley the lads played some great stuff and were unlucky not to score a few, but everyone kept working hard and they got their reward in the best way possible, Logan smashing home a brilliant goal with the very last kick of the game. Player of the Week went to Cathan, who was solid in every match, won some brilliant tackles and worked for absolutely everything. A great effort from every single one of the lads!
Age group
2019s
Town
v Rosario YFC, Hillsborough Boys and Oxford Sunnyside
Fun football — no scores kept, loads of smiles! ⚽1 Win, 1 Draw, 1 Loss - Town
💬 Coach's report
The 2019 Town boys had a great day of football last weekend against three very strong teams, and they started it in style against Rosario YFC with what the coaches reckon was their best performance of the year — the boys came out flying, Aodhan was unstoppable in front of goal, and Bobby had a very strong game between the posts. Hillsborough Boys provided a cracking end-to-end contest next, with plenty of chances at both ends; the boys showed great fight to battle back after a slow start, Bobby and Aodhan both finding the net, and they kept pushing right to the final whistle against a very strong side.
The last game, against the strongest team faced all day, Oxford Sunnyside, showed exactly what this group is about. Twice the boys found themselves behind and twice they fought back brilliantly, with Bobby and Aodhan again doing the damage — the effort to claw their way back into the game was superb. The improvement in this group has been excellent, and a special thanks to Bobby, Rossa and Shea, who all took their turn in nets and did the team proud.
Forest
Fun football — no scores kept, loads of smiles! ⚽1 Win, 2 Losses - Forest
💬 Coach's report
It was a mixed but really positive day for the 2019 Forest boys last weekend. The opening game was a tough one against a very good side, but the boys battled hard from start to finish, with Laughlin and Conor standing resolute in defence and Senan getting the team on the scoresheet. The response afterwards was excellent — the boys regrouped brilliantly and played some really good football across the final two games, picking up a well-earned win and pushing their opponents all the way in the other.
There were plenty of positives all over the pitch. Charlie and Conor produced some brilliant touches, Teddy showed great potential both in goals and outfield, acquitting himself really well wherever he was asked to play, and captain Senan led the team superbly all day. The highlight, though, was Koah's unforgettable solo goal — picking the ball up in defence, he dribbled past five players, completely ignoring his dad shouting at him to pass, before finishing it off in style! This group is learning and improving every single week, and there was plenty on show to prove how much progress they're making.
Colts
v Castlewellan Town 2020, Crewe and Moira
Fun football — no scores kept, loads of smiles! ⚽1 Win, 1 Draw, 1 Loss - Colts
💬 Coach's report
The 2019 Colts had a brilliant day of football last weekend with three games, starting with a special one against our very own Castlewellan 2020s. The two teams were evenly matched and it was great to see a bit of sibling rivalry, with great saves from both sets of keepers, good movement and passing, and some of the best on-field communication this group has shown — a great performance by both teams in green and black.
Next up came Crewe United, where the boys produced some great passages of play, gave it their all and kept plugging away right to the end — and a special shout-out to Ollie, who sportingly stepped in to play for Crewe at the start while they waited for their players to arrive. The day finished with an end-to-end thriller against Moira, where the Colts showed proper grit and determination to stay in the game, capped by Connor levelling it in the dying seconds with a lovely lob over the keeper. The whole team gave everything across all three games — a great day to be a Colt!
Age group
2020s
Town
v Castlewellan 2019 Colts, Moira and Crewe
Fun football — no scores kept, loads of smiles! ⚽What a milestone for our little cubs — the 2020s were out for the very first time as their own team last weekend, playing three games against the 2019 Colts, Moira and Crewe, and every one of them went right to the wire. The opener against their 'big brothers' was probably the toughest test of the day, but the boys were brilliant and very unlucky, with Daire pulling off some great saves and Danny and Eoin both finding the net with super finishes. Against Moira, a fantastic goal from Daniel put the boys in front, Ronan defended brilliantly, and Ryan and Daire went close several times — Moira just edged it late on, but not even that could wipe the smiles off the boys' faces.
💬 Coach's report
The final game against Crewe showed exactly what this group is made of. After a tricky start they fought back superbly, Eoin and Danny getting on the scoresheet again and little Ryan — who begged to take his turn in nets — making some strong saves; with a bit more time on the clock they'd surely have had even more. This team is going to be very special, and it was a great start to life on their own with smiles all round. Captain Danny was the pick of the bunch on a day when everyone played so well — he never stopped running, dribbling, passing and shooting, and got himself on the scoresheet to cap it off. Well done, wee man!
Girls
Age group
Under 13s
Town
v Scrabo
We won! 🎉What a response from the Under 13 Town girls last weekend against Scrabo! After the disappointment of the previous week, the attitude, work rate and determination were outstanding from the very first whistle. Aoife and Ellie put the girls in front early on, and from there the midfield took control of the game, moving the ball brilliantly and creating chance after chance for the forward line. Ellie was superb on her first start, Aoife and Ella were rock solid at the back, and a massive well done to debut girl Kacie, who had an excellent game in midfield.
💬 Coach's report
Scrabo came out fighting after the break and enjoyed a spell on top, but the response from the girls was exactly what you want to see, and they never let the game slip from their grasp. There was some brilliant football between midfield and attack, with Chloe at the heart of everything, combining superbly with Ellie through some lovely one-twos and getting herself on the scoresheet too. Bella and Holly made a real impact off the bench, Eva worked tirelessly up front, and Myla pulled off some fantastic saves at important moments. Every girl played her part and showed great character, teamwork and determination — proud of every single one of them!
Age group
Under 12s
Town
v Scrabo
We won! 🎉The Under 12 Town girls made the trip to Ards last weekend to take on Scrabo, and what a performance it turned out to be. Scrabo made the early running, but once the girls came to life they absolutely dominated the rest of the match. Every single player was outstanding — Caitlin was solid as a rock in defence, Meave, Éabha and Cara K brought non-stop work rate in the middle, and Olivia and Kate battled so hard up front in a really pleasing team display.
💬 Coach's report
There were some special moments to celebrate too. Annie scored her first ever goal for the Town, Cait grabbed her first of the season, and Cara M was simply outstanding — unlucky not to have even more and treating everyone to a wonder goal straight from a corner kick. Brilliant stuff, Cara! It's great to see this group progressing and, most importantly, improving every single week.
Age group
Under 10s
Town
v Ballynagross and Drumaness
Fun football — no scores kept, loads of smiles! ⚽2 Wins, 1 Draw, 1 Loss
💬 Coach's report
The Under 10 Town girls had a brilliant day of festival football at Drumaness last weekend, taking on Ballynagross and Drumaness across four games. After a slow start to the opening game, the girls battled hard and grew into the day, and by the second match they were playing some excellent, incisive football — Saorla got the scoring up and running, great running from Darcie, Lucie and Clara kept things tight at the back, and a terrific save from our goalkeeper had the sideline cheering.
The girls showed real character throughout the day too. After falling behind against Ballynagross they responded brilliantly, with Caitlin winning the ball back and setting up Amarah, who took her goal exceptionally well — only some last-ditch defending, brave blocks and the woodwork denied them even more. They then finished the day in style against Drumaness, with Olivia smashing home a pile driver and Phoebe and Eabha getting in on the goals as well. This group keeps improving every single week, and they'll be raring to go from the very first kick next time out!
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Thanks to all our coaches, parents and volunteers for making youth football happen.
