Ballygowan teenager celebrates soccer gold

Ballygowan teenager celebrates soccer gold

15 April 2015

A BALLYGOWAN teenager was part of the Northern Irelland soccer squad which struck gold last week.

James Boyce, who was a member of the Northern Ireland U-19 Moderate Learning Difficulty Squad which travelled to Wales and won  the Home Nations Championships for the first time in nine years.

The boys gave three great performances to secure maximum points, starting with a 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland (2-1).

They then defeated Scotland 1-0 and wrapped up the prestigious championship with a 3-0 win over Wales. The games were played in Newport at the excellent facilities at Dragon’s Park and Newport County Stadium.

Team manager and IFA disability football development manager, Alan Crooks, was keen to praise the young squad.

“All six games in the competition were tight, so it is very pleasing to get that 100 per cent record and come out on top,” he said. “All 17 players played their part and in many ways it was a perfect competition.”