Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
EAGLES DARE AND OVERSEE SUCCESSFUL TOURNEY
MORE than 500 children from across Northern Ireland enjoyed a hugelysuccessful football tournament in Whitehead last weekend, hosted by local club Whitehead Eagles Junior Academy. Children aged from seven to 11 from over 50 teams throughout Northern Ireland, including top Irish League clubs such as Linfield, Glentoran and Cliftonville, took part in the inaugural Whitehead Summer Festival Football Tournament. Organised for the first time by Whitehead Eagles on the morning and afternoon of Saturday and Sunday, the event proved a major success and helped showcase the depth of talent in local youth football. With four trophies presented to teams from each of the four age groups taking part, the overall winners of the competition were CDFC (2010), Ardoyne (2009), Larne Youth (2008) and Clooney Soccer School (2007). Reflecting on the event, Mike Courtney, Secretary of Whitehead Eagles Junior Academy, said: “Hosting such a major tournament for the first time was a massive honour for Whitehead Eagles Junior Academy and a sign of the club’s progress and ambitions. “The coaches and committee members at the club put a lot of effort into organising the event and they deserve a lot of credit. So many team coaches have taken time to get in touch to thank us for what they described as one of the best-organised tournaments they have taken part in, which is a fantastic endorsement for us. “We’re looking forward to the start of the season and are always on the look-out for new players. “If anyone has kids who would like to join an ambitious and progressive club, please get in touch.” For more information about Whitehead Eagles Junior Academy, visit the club’s Facebook page at www. facebook.com/whiteheadeaglesjnr13