27/07/2026
Foyle Cup 2026 ⚽️
What a week I had at this year’s Foyle Cup.
Highs, lows and everything in between….and we’ll be back next year to do it all over again.
Friendships, experiences and memories that will live long with all involved.
That’s something that football does. It opens doors to meet others you never normally would.
To start friendships that when you see people 20-30 years later (or maybe even more) you still can talk about those memories from your younger years.
Some might not realise, even us coaches when we want the best for our teams and become more vocal or in our decision making, but football teaches you many life lessons.
It’s privilege to get to coach my own sidekick and son Harry, and his wee team at the tournament.
5 days he travelled around the Northwest with me to many other games including his own ❤️
A super bunch of talented kids and a great group of supportive parents, fellow coaches, families and supporters to go along with them.
Some out there know that coaching your own can also have its disadvantages.
- You’re harder on them at times
- They have to share you with the rest of the team
- They’re usually first there and last to leave
- If they’re sad or disappointed, you’re maybe addressing 8 or 9 other kids that are as well
- You may miss something they do whilst organising others in the team
I could go on with many more.
There will come a time when they move on to another team / another coach / another direction …. but for now and this tournament I realised Daddy first / coach second when needed most, but that didn’t mean I took my eyes off the team and the goal of developing, enjoying, being your best, smiling … and yes we all want to win, that’s the big bonus that’s an add on in the grand scheme of things.
Keep smiling
Keep having fun
Keep developing
Keep progressing
⚽️👍
