Under-12s and 13s compete in worldwide tournament
Shrewsbury Town’s stars of the future have recently spent time in Ireland as they competed in the world-famous Galway Cup.
Our Academy entered a joint Under12s and 13s side into the competition which sees clubs from across the globe head to city on the West Coast of Ireland.
“We thought we’d take away some of the groups away this summer for the experience of playing against new teams and the environment - away from home/parents - so we took our 2005 group over to the Galway Cup in Ireland for the first time”, said Callum.
“It was a fantastic tournament. The players really enjoyed it, we played against teams from different countries, different tests and challenges, and I think it was a really valuable experience for all the players.
“In terms size and physical attributes we were quite small compared to some of the other teams, particularly the American teams, so that was a real challenge for the players, but in terms of the technical and tactical side of things I thought we were really good and showed up really well.
Town were placed in a group alongside Leeds United, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids Fc, Sligo Leitrim and NDSL. Callum admitted that it was a difficult test, but one the players came through well.
“The first day we came up against Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire, who are both MLS clubs, so that was nice for the players to play against someone new”, McKenzie said.
“Their players were very good. Some of the Colorado players were exceptionally big, and strong, and quick, and powerful, so that was a real test, but it served us well going into the latter part of the week.
“We showed up well against Chicago in game two and probably could have got a draw against them. Unfortunately, we lost in the end, but it was a really good end to end game of football and we got some positive feedback after it.
“We then played Leeds United and we were successful against them, we beat them 2-1 in a really good game and I think that was a particular high point of the week, given that they are a Cat 1 Academy and we are a Cat 3.
“We were expecting a tough game and I think the organisers were keen to see that one to see where we were, because it’s our first year at the Galway Cup and they didn’t know where to place us, so I think being successful in that game showed the organisers that we are strong Academy and we can hold our own against the best teams not only in the UK but all over the world.”