One of my earliest and fondest memories of playing football goes back to 1994, participating in Firhouse Carmel FC's Mini World Cup.
These week-long tournaments, held across the country, are more than just games; they are the lifeblood of grassroots football, keeping the spirit of the sport alive through community involvement and crucial fundraising.
In recent years, I’ve been fortunate to be asked to present medals to the kids on the final day of these tournaments.
It’s always great to see the smiles on their faces when they pick up their medals and heartbreaking to see the odd child who may have suffered a heavy defeat and can’t quite keep back the tears.
These moments of joy and sorrow which are all part of the fabric of football, teaching kids resilience, teamwork, and the pure love of the game.
Last night, I missed attending a League of Ireland match due to my two eldest boys competing in Leicester Celtic's Mini World Cup this week.
All week, my wife Ciara has been asking why I’ve such a big smile on my face, not expecting me to be happy to be missing the St Patrick's Athletic v Shamrock Rovers game. The reason is nostalgia.
My two boys get in from school and immediately ask, "How long until my game in the Mini World Cup?" This repeats like a child in the back seat of a car asking, "Are we nearly there yet?" five minutes into a long journey.
Seeing their excitement mirrors my own experiences as a child starting on my footballing journey, bringing a smile to my face every time.
We get down early, the buzz around the place is something unmatched. Every child is representing a country, every child is welcome to participate regardless of ability.
This year, I’m supporting Romania and Oman. Five minutes before kick-off, every team is announced over the speakers and introduced onto their pitches, running through a makeshift tunnel made up of parents and guardians.
The children give awkward smiles and waves, dealing with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Twelve minutes a half of lung-busting, all-action, chaotic football and their evening's work is done.
When we manage to reluctantly get the kids home, they immediately ask me for an update on their position within their group and tomorrow's fixtures, knowing the next opponent and where they stand in their group is crucial for bragging rights in school.
The impact of these yearly tournaments extends beyond just fun and games. They are vital for the clubs’ financial health, raising funds to cover costs of footballs, bibs, cones, and jerseys for their schoolboy teams for the following season, and maybe even pay a few utility bills in the clubhouse if the club is lucky enough to have one.
The presence of League of Ireland academy scouts, looking for hidden gems, adds another layer of significance to these tournaments.
Local businesses are out in force sponsoring the week-long event. Pitches are sponsored, jerseys are sponsored, even the barbeque area is sponsored. It’s a rare sight to see 2,000 parents in one field in the community together for three to four hours a night for a full week. Of course local business would want to be seen.
While the primary goal of these tournaments is to provide a fun and engaging experience for young players, the underlying objective is clear: sustainability.
The funds raised are crucial for the survival of these clubs, allowing them to continue providing football opportunities for boys and girls in the community.
The sense of community, the joy of the game, and the invaluable lessons learned on the pitch are all by products of these grassroots efforts.
The tradition of these tournaments across the country is a testament to the clubs and their volunteers.
They not only foster a love for football in young children but are also essential for generating the money needed to keep the lights on for the season ahead.
None of this would be possible without the volunteers who give up their valuable time to prepare and run these events. Their love for their local clubs and communities, and their dedication to seeing kids enjoying themselves through playing football, is the backbone of these events.
My first memory of playing in 1994 holds a special place in my heart.
To see my own children now experiencing the same excitement and joy reinforces the importance of these events.
To all those volunteers, on behalf of every kid who found their first love of football through playing in a Mini World Cup, thank you.
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