A SQUAD that included some of Kerry’s finest young soccer stars held a youth side from Premier League champions Chelsea FC to a 1-1 draw in a hugely competitive international tournament at the Oakham Academy in the UK this week.
The Total Football Academy from Killarney also beat a side representing top flight club Burnley 1-0 and drew 2-2 with a Leicester City selection although a Manchester United side proved too strong for the Kerry lads and ran out 2-0 winners.
The Total Football Academy, coached by Robin O’Day from Killarney, sent a squad of under 16 players to the event having been invited by tournament organiser and Manchester United academy coach, Tom Statham.
The Kerry players involved were Junior Ankomah, Philip Evans, Leo Gaxha, Soni Rramani and Colin Walsh.
“I’m proud of these lads for the effort they put in this week, competing against some of the best football academies in England,” said Robin O’Day.
“One win, two draws and one defeat against four Premier League clubs is an achievement in itself but, more importantly, we did it playing our own unique brand of football, earning the admiration and respect of the coaching staff at Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Leicester City and Burnley FC in the process,” he said.
“The future looks bright for Total Football Academy as it does for many of these young footballers. It was a pleasure to work with such a talented and committed group of players,” Robin added.
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