Duleek AFC Under 12s are preparing for a major milestone as they get set to compete in their first ever large scale international tournament, the Blackpool Cup, later this year.
The group are now entering their third year training and playing together. While they have previously taken part in matches at underage level, these were all played on a friendly basis, making the upcoming season their first year competing in organised league football.
The opportunity to travel to Blackpool arose following discussions among coaches and parents last summer. Several people involved with Duleek AFC, including coaches, players and referees, have previously attended the Blackpool Cup over a number of years. Based on those experiences, the idea was put to parents to gauge interest in entering a team, with a very positive response.
For the players, the trip represents a significant step. It will be their first time competing as a team in a large scale tournament and their first experience travelling overseas together. While many of the boys are involved in other sports such as GAA, rugby and basketball and have taken part in school or regional competitions, this will be a new and exciting challenge at club level against teams from other countries.
Organising the trip has been a major undertaking involving a large group of volunteers. Over the past year, up to five coaches across three teams have been involved, alongside parent volunteers who have managed tournament coordination, travel arrangements and fundraising. During the trip itself, each child will be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The overall costs include transport to and from Blackpool, ferry travel from Dublin to Holyhead with two buses, and three nights accommodation in Blackpool. Fundraising is being carried out in an effort to reduce the cost for each player taking part.
A wide range of fundraising activities have already taken place, with more planned in the coming weeks. Events have been designed to include soccer related activities, community based initiatives and opportunities where the players themselves can take part. Fundraisers to date have included scratch cards, bucket collections, raffles and first goal score competitions.
Two major upcoming events will see strong involvement from the boys. A sponsored bike ride will take place in Scotch Hall on Saturday 7 February from 10am to 4pm, followed by a car boot sale on Saturday 14 March at the Duleek Community Facility, A92F2HN. At both events, players will actively participate by cycling and helping to run a club stall.
The bike challenge was chosen to help reach a wider audience beyond the club’s immediate network of family and friends, many of whom have already contributed generously. The aim is to collectively cycle the distance from Duleek to Blackpool, approximately 400 kilometres. This will be completed using four bikes across the day, divided into three two hour segments, with groups of eight to ten boys rotating throughout. Coaches and senior club players are also hoping to take part.
Support from the local community has been strong. Local businesses have donated raffle prizes, bucket collections were facilitated at Drogheda United matches, and Integral Fitness in Bettystown provided bikes for the challenge. Families, friends and neighbours within the wider community have also shown great encouragement and support.
For most of the players, this will be their first experience of an international tournament of this scale, with more than 3,500 teams competing across multiple age groups.
The club hopes the trip will bring lasting benefits both on and off the pitch, helping to build confidence, teamwork and friendships through shared travel, competition and exposure to different styles of football from across Europe.
Above all, the experience is about creating memories and giving young players the chance to represent their club and community on an international stage.
