4 days ago
Fleetwood Town cup sees Airdrie club crowned champions
Airdrie Community Club 2015s won the prestigious tournament in England
Airdrie Community Club 2015 Whites were crowned champions at Fleetwood Town's Poolfoot Cup in England.
The prestigious competition attracted 16 youth teams from across the UK to compete at the Lancashire club's £10m state-of-the-art training facility, including Celtic, Liverpool, Leeds and Nottingham Forest.
Each team played five 25-minute group games, with the top eight qualifying for the cup, and the bottom eight into a trophy.
Airdrie Community Club, bossed by Frazer Gilchrist, went through their section undefeated, playing against teams including Blantyre Soccer Academy and Fleetwood.
The young Diamonds scored 36 goals in their 12 games, conceding just once in the final, with goals from Caillen Hilferty and TJ McFarlane.
Parent Mary McFarlane, of sponsors Sharles Chartered Accountants, said: 'It was remarkable – stressful, tense, enjoyable, all rolled into one.
'We were undefeated across the two days, and going into the final game against BSA Blacks, we had to win it. A draw would have done the other team, so we knew it was must-win and we won 2-1, so that sealed it for us.'
Mary, whose husband James is a coach and son TJ played in the team, added: 'The boys showcased incredible team work, skill and determination and remained undefeated throughout, which is a phenomenal achievement that brought immense pride to coaches and families.
'These boys have done something truly special.'
The team consisted of goalkeeper Corey Horn, Lewis Gilchrist, TJ McFarlane, Caillen Hilferty, Casey Murray, Harvey Cunningham, Robbie Allan, Lewis O'Hare and Shay Nimmo, coached by manager Frazer Gilchrist and coaches James McFarlane, Brian O'Hare and James Nimmo.
Frazer Gilchrist said: 'This is the proudest moment for the team so far.
'The boys came together as a team and played every game with enthusiasm and courage.'
