Youth Report
Thursday 15 Oct – Sunday 18 Oct 2026
Boys
Age group
2011s
Town
v Hanover
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2011s marked their first game in the Premier League since the supplementary split with a real battle against Hanover last weekend. The boys started brightly and created chances from the off, with much of their best attacking play coming down the left — capped by Jay finishing brilliantly after some excellent work down that wing.
💬 Coach's report
The second half brought out the best in this group. A few positional tweaks gave the team great balance, and in the closing stages they put Hanover under real pressure and played some excellent football — James broke through and slotted home calmly before Ohdran grabbed another, and they pushed right to the final whistle. The character and fight on show were a real reminder of what this team is capable of, and there's plenty here to build on.
Age group
2013s
Town
v Lisburn Rangers
We won! 🎉The 2013 Town boys made it four wins on the bounce last weekend with a fantastic performance against a strong Lisburn Rangers side sitting above them in the table. After an intense warm-up the lads came flying out of the blocks for the early kick-off: Odhran opened the scoring with a great strike from outside the box, Shea followed up with a powerful finish after a brilliant run in from the right, and Adam and Conan kept the goals coming — Adam racing onto a lovely Odhran through ball and Conan lashing one high into the net.
💬 Coach's report
The lads dominated for long spells with the intensity and speed of their play, winning their duels and playing some lovely football, and Adam kept finding the net after the break as the chances kept coming. The referee even told the coaches afterwards that this is the best team he has seen in the league this year for quality of football and work rate across the whole side — a lovely measure of how far these boys have come since the start of the season. Up the Town!
Forest
v Newcastle Colts
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2013 Forest boys travelled to Newcastle Colts last weekend for a hard-fought contest between two sides who know each other well. Newcastle started the quicker, but Forest were superbly resilient in defence, with Ruari, captain Dylan, Alfie and Conal all working tirelessly to keep things level at the break.
💬 Coach's report
Forest came out of the blocks much stronger in the second half and pushed Newcastle right back, going close several times — Lewis in particular nearly found the breakthrough — but it wasn't to be on the day. The effort from every single player was immense, and with performances like this the luck will turn soon. Man of the Match was Alfie, with a driving, determined display from first whistle to last.
Age group
2015s
Town
v Camlough
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2015 Town boys faced Camlough in Lisburn on Saturday in a feisty, closely matched game with very little between the two teams. The lads thought they'd taken the lead early on when the ball looked to have crossed the line, but the goal wasn't given and they kept battling away.
💬 Coach's report
Jake — the best player on the day — got Town on the scoresheet late on with a well-taken goal. Not quite the result the boys wanted, but recent performances have been really encouraging and this group won't be disheartened. Plenty to work on, heads up, and back at it next week.
Forest
v Carryduff Colts
We won! 🎉The 2015 Forest boys got their first win of the season last weekend against Carryduff Colts in Lisburn, and it was thoroughly deserved. Every boy was focused from the very first whistle: Sean was superb in goal, and Matthew, Finn, Ollie and Odhran in front of him all played probably their best games of the season — nothing got past them. Ruaidhri put Forest in front before the break and the lads never looked back.
💬 Coach's report
The second half carried on just like the first. Ruaidhri and Leo were brilliant in midfield, with Darragh, Henry and Malachi linking up beautifully to create chance after chance. Ruaidhri kept finding the net — including one super finish from long range — and Malachi got on the scoresheet too, rounding off a brilliant performance from everyone in green and black.
Age group
2016s
Town
v Rosario
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2016 Town boys fought out a hard, competitive game against a well-drilled Rosario side last weekend, and it was a match that could easily have gone their way. Both teams played some lovely football, and Town created some great chances of their own — including a brilliant move involving Eanna, Cian and Leo that put Neil clean through.
💬 Coach's report
The boys kept pushing right to the very end, battling hard for every ball and playing some fantastic stuff. Man of the Match was Leo, who produced some great defending along with driving solo runs forward that on another day would have brought goals. Every single one of the boys can be proud of the effort — the performances are there, and the results will follow.
Forest
v TW Braga
We drew 🤝The 2016 Forest boys knew they were in for a tough test last weekend against a TW Braga side unbeaten so far this season — and they rose to it brilliantly. The coaches tweaked the game plan for this one and the lads executed it superbly, putting Braga on the back foot from the first whistle and taking the lead through a fantastic strike from Lorcan.
💬 Coach's report
Braga fought their way back into it, but these boys simply never gave up. They kept their heads high, fought right to the final whistle and got their reward late on: Lochlainn played a brilliant first-time pass through to Neil, who buried a fantastic strike into the bottom corner. The effort, determination, teamwork and character from the whole squad were outstanding. Well done, boys!
Colts
v Oxford Sunnyside
We won! 🎉A brilliant result for the 2016 Colts against Oxford Sunnyside last weekend. The boys found themselves chasing the game early on, but they showed excellent character to battle their way right back into it — Mikolja took his chances superbly and Noah produced a really impressive lob that had the sideline purring.
💬 Coach's report
After the break the Colts took complete control. Luke lit up the second half with some fantastic individual skill, capping his afternoon by showing great vision to set up Michael, who coolly slotted home. Behind them, the back line and midfield dominated the pitch and gave Sunnyside nothing after the interval. A great all-round team performance, with Luke a deserved Man of the Match.
Age group
2017s
Town
v Lisdrum Youth. It
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The coaches could not be prouder of the 2017 Town boys after Friday night's game against Lisdrum Youth. It was a competitive, feisty match, but the lads never shied away from the challenge — their attitude and effort were exemplary. Without a regular goalkeeper for the second week running, Stephen and Cillian both stepped up for a half each and were brilliant between the posts, with captain Cillian leading by example after an excellent first-half shift in midfield.
💬 Coach's report
The second half was some of the best football this team has played all season, and it was all Castlewellan: Adam and Reon strong at the back, Noah and Rudhran immense in midfield, and Liam and Caoimhin pressing and leading from the front, with Stephen adding energy after coming out of nets. Riley got the goals and came within a whisker of a wonder overhead kick, while Noah drove the team forward with every touch — including a mazzy run down the wing that was one of the highlights of the night. For the first time ever the coaches couldn't split them, so it's a joint Player of the Week!
Forest
v Banbridge Town
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The 2017 Forest boys were back at the Colin Glen Dome on Friday night to face Banbridge Town in an entertaining, well-contested match between two sides sitting next to each other in the league. Forest started brightly, with Jaxon and Gavin controlling the middle of the park and playing some lovely through balls, and the pressure paid off when Cody finished clinically into the bottom corner. Cody, Daithi, Eoghan and Gavin kept creating chances, with only good goalkeeping, the post and the crossbar keeping the scoreline down.
💬 Coach's report
Cody was on target again after the break with another cool finish, and even when the game got tough the boys kept playing good football — Iarlaith grew in confidence in goal with a couple of great saves, while Odhran and Caelan stepped up with determined forward runs. A special welcome too to Eoghan, who had a great game on his first outing for the squad and settled in fantastically well — a massive asset to this group. Player of the Week was captain Eoin, who was brilliant in several positions across the defence, picking out excellent passes and showing great composure throughout.
Age group
2018s
Town
v Banbridge, Hillsborough and Ballymacash
Win 🎉 Win 🎉 Win 🎉Three more wins from three for the 2018 Town boys last weekend against Banbridge, Hillsborough and Ballymacash — but it was far from plain sailing, and it was their fight and determination that got the job done. There was some good football played across the day, and crucially the lads kept taking their chances when they came.
💬 Coach's report
The Ballymacash game was the toughest test this group has had so far — an excellent side and a really tight contest, with Senan on target and Thomas striking near the end to settle it. Having to dig deep like that is exactly what brings out the best in these boys. Man of the Match was Callum, who worked hard all over the pitch, stayed calm in the tough moments, and read the game superbly.
Forest
v Oxford Sunnyside
Loss 👏 Win 🎉 Draw 🤝A busy outing for the 2018 Forest boys in Laurelhill last weekend. Crewe United proved a well-organised side who defended resolutely, but Harry got on the scoresheet and there were plenty of positives for the lads to take into the rest of the day. They then turned the tables on Lisburn City in a rematch from the week before — this time Forest weren't afraid to get stuck in, with a nice finish from Thomas, two crackers from Alfie on his favoured left foot, and a tidy finish from Alex.
💬 Coach's report
The final game against Oxford Sunnyside was a great contest between two closely matched sides, with Alfie on target again as the boys went toe to toe right to the end. Player of the Week goes to Alfie for his goalscoring and for laying on chances for his teammates — a brilliant all-round contribution. Lots of learning and lots to build on for this group.
Colts
v Rosario Roses
Win 🎉 Win 🎉 Loss 👏The best week the 2018 Colts have had so far! Against Rosario Roses all the boys worked, tackled and played great, with some brilliant team play setting up Shane for two super finishes and Elliott adding a battling goal of his own. The Crewe United Vapours game was the best this group has played as a team to date — Shane worked his socks off up front, Logan, Elliott and Donnachadh were solid through the middle, and Noah and Cathan tackled hard and built some brilliant football from the back.
💬 Coach's report
Dromara Village Colts provided the sternest test of the day, but the boys never stopped pushing, gave the opposition no space, and got their reward for all that hard work with excellent goals from Cathan and Shane. Loads of positives from the week — shown by the fact that every single player who took the field got on the scoresheet! Player of the Week is Shane, not just for his goals but for his tireless work off the ball and some lovely passing to his teammates.
Age group
2019s
Town
v Sunnyside, Hillsborough and Carryduff
Loss 👏 Draw 🤝 Win 🎉A full card of football for the 2019 Town boys last weekend. The opener against Sunnyside was a slow burner, but Aodhan lit it up with some brilliant goals as the lads battled all the way to the finish. Against Hillsborough the boys showed exactly what they're made of, with good defending and well-taken goals from Bobby and Rossa, before saving their best for last against Carryduff — dominating the game with great passing and teamwork, and Aodhan, Koah and Conor all finding the net.
💬 Coach's report
Bobby wore the armband and led the team superbly, controlling the play and encouraging everyone around him, and a big thank you goes to Koah, Riley and Bobby for sharing the goalkeeping duties. Man of the Match was Riley, who read the game brilliantly — dropping into defence when needed, clearing danger with strong passes down the line, and attacking at just the right moments. Riley gives it absolutely everything every single week. Well done to all the boys — UP THE TOWN!
Forest
v Rosario Jets, Crewe United and Gendowan Colts
Win 🎉 Win 🎉 Draw 🤝An unbelievable team performance from the 2019 Forest boys last weekend. The opener against Rosario Jets was highly entertaining, with brilliant work rate and team play — Ollie opted to go in nets and made great saves while still pinging brilliant passes out from the back, and the one-touch passing showed all the training paying off, with Charlie in unstoppable form. Against Crewe United the whole team put in another great shift, attacking and defending as one, with a special shout-out to Shea, a rock in defence, and Liam taking his turn between the posts.
💬 Coach's report
The final game against Gendowan Colts was an evenly matched contest, and even with tired legs the boys stood strong and got their reward through Ollie, who got his shot away to cap a brilliant day's work. Laughlin and Liam produced some great link-up play, Teddy and Charlie never stopped running, and it was fantastic to hear the boys communicating all over the pitch. Captain was Liam, and Man of the Match was Shea. A very enjoyable watch from the sidelines!
Colts
Hard luck — great effort! 👏What a day for the 2019 Colts! The opener was a fun one against our own 2020s, with some brilliant rivalry between brothers and friends, and both sets of boys giving it absolutely everything. The second match was a tough test, but the boys played really well and thoroughly earned the goals they got.
💬 Coach's report
They saved their best for last, finishing the day with a great win thanks to goals from Darragh, Matthew and Connor. Matthew wore the captain's armband this week and Fionn took home Man of the Match. Every one of these boys should be so proud of themselves — their coaches certainly are!
Age group
2020s
Town
v Moira Blues
Win 🎉 Win 🎉 Win 🎉What a weekend of football for our youngest boys — three games and three wins for the 2020 Town side, who were fantastic from start to finish. The opener was a hard-fought battle against our own Colts 2019s, with some excellent football on show: captain Ronan controlled the game and Dáire made some great saves to keep Town on top. The boys then turned it up a gear against Moira Blues, with fantastic teamwork, great passing and some lovely football that made it look easy at times.
💬 Coach's report
Dromore provided without doubt the toughest test of the day, but these young Town boys showed real determination and character — including a fantastic penalty save from Eoghan at a crucial moment — and held on for a brilliant victory. Player of the Match was Daithí: the goals alone would have made him a strong contender, but his composure on the ball and excellent link-up play really set him apart. Ronan wore the armband and led by example throughout, setting the standard for his teammates.
Girls
Age group
Under 14s
Town
v Downpatrick Colts
Hard luck — great effort! 👏What a performance from the Under 14 girls against Downpatrick Colts last weekend! With just 11 players available, all the coaches asked was for the girls to give everything — and they absolutely delivered. After a tough spell early on, the girls showed incredible character to storm right back into the game, with Ellie a constant threat on the scoresheet and Aoife M finding the net too. An early injury to Ella forced a reshuffle, and Aoife M stepped into defence without hesitation and was absolutely brilliant there.
💬 Coach's report
Evie, Ellie and Ella battled for every ball in defence, Mayla produced some fantastic saves, and Aoife C, Chloe, Holly, Aoibh and Bella all worked tirelessly — with special praise for Chloe, whose marking job was superb; she never stopped running! The girls even had chances to win it, denied only by some outstanding goalkeeping. The improvement, fight and togetherness this group has shown in just a few short weeks is incredible — every single girl should hold her head high.
Age group
Under 12s
Town
v Ballynagross
Hard luck — great effort! 👏The Under 12 girls took on a strong and experienced Ballynagross side in the cup last weekend, and they started brilliantly — Sorcha firing them into an early lead with a superb strike. The girls kept creating chances throughout and on another day could have had a few more goals, but it wasn't to be this time.
💬 Coach's report
This is a really young team, with most of the girls still in their first year at Under 12 level, and games like this will stand to them. Player of the Week was Annie, who was excellent in nets in the second half and made some big saves. Heads up, girls — back at it next week!
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Thanks to all our coaches, parents and volunteers for making youth football happen.
