The Yeats United Girls Under 16 soccer team was awarded a reception at Sligo City Hall to honour their recent success at the International tournament in San Marino.
Yeats United Girls Honoured
Yeats United Girls Honoured at City Hall
They overcame very strong opposition to finish top of their group with three victories, had a magnificent win over Italian side Tabiago in the semi-final before eventually losing the final to another Italian side and tournament favourites Azalee.
Mayor of Sligo Municipal District Council Councillor Hubert Keaney paid tribute to the squad and their management team of Brian Chambers and Enda Scanlon.
‘Your outstanding achievement has been a great source of pride to the club and the community. In this year when Sligo celebrates its status as ‘European Capital of Volunteering’, this success reflects great credit on everyone associated with the squad. In hosting this reception, we show that the people of Sligo acknowledge the scale of your achievement and celebrate it with you.’
Team Manager Brian Chambers reflected on previous campaigns, noting that Yeats highest finish in four San Marino tournaments was eighth out of twelve. Against this background, reaching the final was an exceptional achievement reflecting great credit on the spirit and commitment of each member of the squad. They had to overcome great challenges, playing games in quick succession in extreme heat, and did so with great courage and skill.’
Coach Enda Scanlon said the fact that they were playing Italian and American teams drawn from major Academies didn’t daunt the Yeats girls. ‘To place this success in context, the American and Italian teams we played had a pool of hundreds of players to choose from. Technically and physically they were formidable, but the team spirit and never-say-die attitude of the Yeats squad was the foundation for this wonderful journey. They gave 100% every time they played and have generated memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.’
Mayor Keaney presented a scroll to each member of the squad and the management team and said their success would be an inspiration to the younger members of the club who aspire to follow in their foot-steps.