It still hardly seems real for the gifted young players of Markethill Swifts Youth.
Hot on the heels of their Barcelona Cup win, the Youth contingent has been the toast of the County Armagh town.
They came, they saw, they conquered – and they ’swiftly’ celebrated in style!
In just days, Markethill Swifts Youth made history when they travelled to Spain to compete.
In all, a party of 45 left Markethill, taking the bus to the airport and travelling over on the Friday, April 10.
There was no competition on that day upon arrival, but the young people had time to relax at the beach and acclimatise to their new surroundings.
They showed their promise, however, during a pre-match tournament before the real hard work over that weekend.
Head coach Taylor Dillon told Armagh I: “On the Saturday it was the group stages and then on the Sunday it was the semi-final and the final. We won the semi-final 3-0 and won the final 2-0.”
The latter saw the boys compete against an Irish side, Baldoyle United AFC, with goals from Ollie Dickson and Benjamin Finch securing the sweetest of victories, after seeing off Greenhills AFC in the semi-finals, with Noah McNeice bagging a brace and Charlie Dillon also emphatically adding his name to the scoresheet.
Between the posts, in-form ‘keeper Joshua Keys kept a clean sheet in both the semi-final and final to make sure of that historic win.
Over the course of the competition, the Swifts Youth took on sides from Canada and England in the group stages.
And it was to pave the way for a weekend of firsts for the team.
It was the first time that they had taken part in the Barcelona Cup.
“The coaches decided we would do it and we raised all the funds and the players went for free,” explained Taylor.
And the delighted head coach was keen and quick to point out: “It’s the first time that any team from Markethill has gone to a European cup.”
To be the first there is one thing, to win it propels the achievement on to a whole new level!
“It’s a stepping stone for the youth teams to do these sorts of things and show that it’s possible,” said Taylor, who has been backed up by fellow coaches and assistants, at home and away, including Jason Dodds, Rodney Carson, Sam Keys and Jake Shields.
The occasion created unforgettable memories – both on and off the pitch – for players, coaches and parents alike.
“It means everything to the team,” said Taylor. “This was their first experience of competing abroad for them and the club, and to go and win it makes it even more special.
“They’ve worked hard all season, on and off the pitch, and this trip brought them even closer together, not just as players, but as a group of friends. It’s something they’ll remember for a long time.
“What truly stands out isn’t just the trophy, it’s the growth, the confidence and the bond that’s been built along the way. From training sessions on the beach, where hard work met an unbelievable setting, to the quieter moments by the pool and team tactics while enjoying ice-cream, getting to know one another. This trip gave the players something you simply can’t replicate in training – time together, conversations, laughter and connection.”
The social side provided a great opportunity for bonding, with a chance to enjoy a local theme park full of adrenaline-fuelled rides.
And the celebrations after that legendary win saw the party essentially take over an Italian restaurant for a slap-up meal, with plenty of singing, laughter and more memories made.
The coaching team are already planning to celebrate the achievement back home in Markethill.
Said Taylor: “We’re going to do an end of season trip and then we’ll have an awards night where we’ll present them with a trophy each.”
From a development perspective, according to the head coach, this is where the real value lies.
“You can’t coach this kind of growth on a pitch alone,” said Taylor. “The confidence gained, the friendships strengthened and the sense of belonging created over these few days have accelerated this group forward in a way no training session or match ever could.
“Players stepped out of their comfort zones, supported one another and grew, not just as footballers, but as young people. They represented the club brilliantly on and off the pitch.”
And it certainly has been a pivotal moment for Markethill Swifts as a whole.
“It’s a massive moment for the club,” added Taylor. “Being the first team from the club to compete in a European tournament and to come back as winners is something everyone can be proud of.
“It shows the progress being made and hopefully inspires the younger players coming through that they can aim for experiences like this too.
“They have plans for their next trips while the rest of the teams at the club are talking about following in their footsteps.
“This trip showed exactly what can happen when a group fully commits to each other. What once felt impossible has now become reality and, more importantly, it’s set a new standard and belief for what this team is capable of going forward.
“It was the trip of a lifetime and this is only the beginning.”
The team: 1, Joshua Keys; 2, James Black (Captain); 3, Daniel Hutchinson; 4, Alfie Andrews; 5, Noah McNeice; 6, Ollie Dickson; 7, Benjamin Finch; 8, Henry Carson; 9, Sophie Dickson; 10, Charlie Quinn; 12, Charlie Dillon; 14, Noah Johnston; 16, Jacob Black; 20, Dylan Steenson; 47, David.
