The minor players took centre stage as the Killyleagh Summer League for primary schoolchildren completed its second week of the new season.
Children from P1 to P7 play across four pitches for the full hour, climaxing in a penalty shootout to crown the penalty king and queen. The action continues at the Bridge Centre playing fields from 7pm tonight (Wednesday 27 April), with the senior players kicking off at 8pm.
This week there was some excellent teamwork in the minors section, with a fantastic passing display between Haliya Russell and Arabella Thompson. In midfield, Sophia Sullivan and Lottie Nelson once again impressed with some superb tackling, which was also evident in front of goal.
There were standout performances from Leo McCormick and Cody Osborne in defence and in goals, with their breathtaking last-minute tackles and saves proving crucial for their team. Elliott Lynch and Jake Killops both put in tremendous running displays throughout the evening.
Among the boys, Elijah Walsh was especially impressive, delivering an excellent all-round performance.
The penalty king award went to Arlo Greene, with a special thanks to Jacob Walsh for his outstanding work in nets. Unfortunately, there was no penalty queen this week, as Charlotte delivered an impressive performance in nets.
JUNIORS
A special mention goes to Regan Pickering and Carson McClurg, who stepped up to play with the P4s this week after an impressive opening night with the minor section.
A big shout out to Lewis Morrison as he made his debut in the league, playing up the grades.
The junior penalty kings were Frank C, James and Finn. The junior queens were Eliza Cheevers, Faye Northrop and Eva Gurr.
SENIORS
There were star performers galore in the senior section, with so many players taking part it may require two full pitches tonight.
Special mentions to Laughlin Fisher, Bella Henderson, Alesha Healy, James Kearney and Riley and Mason Marshall.
The senior penalty queen was Victoria Woodside, with three penalty kings: Jacob Watters, Conrad Henry and Illia Berezun.
The girls’ runners-up were Rose Keenan, Isla Savage, Seren Carr, Georgia McConnell and Charlotte Carr.
TINIES
The tinies penalty kings and queen were Caleb Taylor, Lily Kearney and Theo Gurr.
Special mention this week to Cadin McGreeghan-Kayes, Ember Clarke, Tyler Robinson, Amelia Greene and Phoebe Nelson.
