Balloan test themselves against some of the biggest football clubs in the world’s youth academies at ‘Footmania’ in Portugal
Balloan FC once again competed against academies of some of the biggest football clubs in the world in Portugal.
The Inverness club sent three squads to “Footmania” in Caldas da Rainha - two under-14 sides and one under-17 group - totalling 56 youngsters and 15 coaches.
Footmania sees squads from under-11 through to under-18 compete over two weeks, featuring teams from as far away as South Korea, Brazil in the form of Sao Paulo and Corinthians and home nation heavyweights Porto, Benfica and Sporting Lison.
Balloan’s under-14 groups, Fury and City, each played five games over four days in unfamiliar conditions, earning the respect and praise of their opposition.
Both groups’ coaches commented: “The experience will stand them in good stead for future years.”
The under-17 squad were returning for their second year at the competition, and gave an excellent account of themselves.
Winning their group without conceding a single goal across the four games, Balloan went deep into the tournament, winning their semi final thanks to a last-minute strike.
Their final was played at the 13,000-capacity Campo da Mata, and was another close-fought encounter.
Despite coming from behind to level the scores twice, Balloan were beaten by another late goal, having to settle for a runners-up spot for their efforts.
Such was the impact Balloan made, though, that Samuel Adams was the competition’s top scorer for the second year in-a-row, and goalkeeper Harvey Fitzgerald was awarded a prize for conceding the fewest goals.
Coaches Martin Fitzgerald and Grant Munro commented: “‘Our boys gave everything over the six games – while we fell one goal short the boys couldn’t have done anymore.
“Competing with the very best on their patch was always going to be difficult and can leave with their heads held high.
“The individual awards are achievements in themselves but also show the impact Balloan Thistle made on the tournament as a team!”
As a club, Balloan added: “Balloan would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisers of Footmania and residents of Caldas da Rainha for their welcome during our visit.”
The benefit was not one-way, though, as while there Balloan made a €400 donation to the Portugal-Ukraine appeal fund as a gesture appreciating that not all children have the same opportunities.
