Galway Bohemians became the first Irish grassroots team to play in Africa when they participated in the first Irish-African soccer tournament in Morocco last month.
On November 23, a squad of 55 under-15 and under-16 players accompanied by coaches and volunteers made the trip to Agadir, Morocco where they were invited to play in a tournament against two local teams, Kheiri Football Association and Association Sportive Etoile Anza. The trip to north Africa lasted four days with each team playing four matches between Sunday and Monday.
In between their time on the pitch, the young footballers experienced various cultural and recreational activities in Agadir. This included sand-surfing, meeting the city’s President and being interviewed on Moroccan state TV.
Cllr Mike Cubbard and Tom Trill led the delegation on the trip. Cllr Cubbard said that "the teams gave good accounts of themselves in the hot desert climate".
Tom Trill said that "the players will remember this trip forever".
“Our club culture promotes inclusion and diversity as well as teamwork and improvement. We had huge support from the parents and local community, and it was a team effort from everyone involved, and we want to thank them for that,” added Trill.
The club financed the trip with parent contributions and multiple sponsorships from throughout the community.
