A group of young soccer stars from Galway fly out to Poland this week to represent their country in an underage tournament which will also feature teams from Germany, Italy, France and hosts Poland.
The Galway FA u-15 squad, which is managed by Nigel Keady and Derek Rogers, is travelling to Torun tomorrow for the three-day tournament. The 18-strong squad features players from Barna/Furbo FC, Galway Hibernians, Knocknacarra FC, Mervue United, Moyne Villa, Renmore FC and Salthill Devon, and all are part of the FAI’s Emerging Talent programme in Galway.
The invitation to take part in the tournament was extended to the Galway United Supporters’ Trust after a number of Galway United fans based themselves in Torun for Euro 2012. As a result of links established, GUST was invited to send a team for the tournament, an invitation which it passed to the Galway FA.
“A lot of Irish fans based themselves in Torun for the Euros, including myself and a number of Galway United fans,” says Tommy Shields of the GUST. “We developed a relationship with the people of the city – the Mayor of Torun came over to Galway after the Euros to say ‘thanks’ to Irish fans for the colour and enjoyment they brought to Torun.”
GUST is funding the flights, while the Torun City Council is paying for all transport, food and accommodation in Poland.
