Inspiresport Schools Football Finals Day

The biggest occasion in schools football takes place at the Ballymena Showgrounds next Wednesday 27th April when the Northern Ireland Schools Football Association hosts the Inspiresport Finals Day.  The proceedings start at 11.00 am and will continue until late afternoon.

NISFA Chairman Paul Kerr explains "We have school teams from every part of the Province coming together for what should be an enjoyable experience for all.  There are large grammar and secondary schools competing in the main competitions while the smaller schools will have their place in the proceedings as they participate in the Small Schools Under 13 and Under 15 cup finals. There will be plenty for everyone to see with 20 teams competing in 10 finals.  The NISFA is grateful to Ballymena Council for granting the use of the Showgrounds for this event.  We are also indebted to Inspiresport who are sponsoring the competitions this season.  Inspiresport has long been involved in the organisation of school sporting trips in England, Scotland and Wales and we are delighted that they have now brought their expertise to Northern Ireland.  Without the financial support provided by Inspiresport it would not be feasible to stage such a massive enterprise" added the Chairman.

The premier final is a derby with St Columb's College taking on St Joseph's Derry as they battle it out in the Senior Cup Final.  St Columb's has been the most successful school in the competition having won the Senior Cup 9 times, including 3 successes in the last five years, but they will be well aware of the challenge that their neighbours will provide.  St Joseph's have marched into the final scoring 15 goals in the process while only conceding one.  Centre forward David Parkhouse has netted 7 of the goals and he will be looking to add to that tally in the final.  Parkhouse has been capped by Northern Ireland at Under 17 and Under 18 level this season and as the St Joseph's captain will be hoping to lead his team to victory and lift the coveted Malcolm Brodie Trophy on behalf of the school for the first time.

St Columb's is going for a cup double with their Under 12 team contesting the Minor Cup final against Model.  The North Belfast school is also looking for twin successes as they play Clounagh in the Intermediate Cup Final.  The winners of this final will represent Northern Ireland in the British Isles Championship which is being staged in Dublin this year from 20 May to 22 May.  Model or Clounagh will compete against the champions from England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.  St Columb's College is the only school from Northern Ireland to have won the British Isles Championship 5 years ago and so it will be a big challenge for Model or Clounagh in Dublin but one that they will relish.

There is also a "double header" with Corpus Christi and St Patrick's Bearnageeha contesting the Intermediate and Youth Plate Finals.

Under 18 Squad named for international against Wales

The Northern Ireland Schools Under 18 team takes on Wales at Comber on Thursday 14 April, kick off 4.30 pm, in their final game of the Inspiresport Centenary Shield competition.  The team has already drawn 1-1 against Scotland in Glasgow and last time out secured a scoreless draw against the Republic of Ireland in Arklow.  Unfortunately, a 2-1 defeat by England at Comber last month ended any hope of regaining the Centenary Shield.

England has already clinched the title thanks to 2-1 victories over Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales and a 2-2 draw against the Republic of Ireland but Wales lie in second place after recording a 1-nil win away to Scotland.

Northern Ireland has a tremendous record against Wales having lost only twice, both times away from home.  The last defeat came in 2001 and since then in 10 meetings Northern Ireland has won 8 matches with two drawn.

Northern Ireland Under 18 Managers Conor Marlin and Frankie Wilson will be eager to maintain the excellent record against Wales.  Frankie Wilson commented "By all accounts this is the best Welsh side for many years and so we are expecting a strong challenge.  They recorded a superb 1-0 victory in Scotland and were unlucky to lose by a late goal to England.  They are currently in second place in the Centenary Shield and will be keen to secure their best finish in the championship for many years."

Conor Marlin added "Adam McCracken is injured. He has been an outstanding stalwart in defence and his loss will be a blow to us but the good news is that David Parkhouse who missed the games against England and the Republic through injury is now fit and his strength and work rate will give us added impetus. The team has not enjoyed the best of luck this season, being denied victory in Scotland with a good goal disallowed for offside while some controversial decisions went against us in the Republic game.  We will be going all out for victory to maintain our record against the Welsh."

The Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association is offering free entrance to any school or youth group wishing to attend the match.  Any group wishing to gain free entrance should send their details by email to Edwin Ferris, NISFA Treasurer, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to obtain a group permit.