NISFA News

Holy Cross win Belfast 5aside

The annual Rainbow Communications/BPSFA 5-a-side football competition was won on 12 February 2020 by Holy Cross PS with St. John the Baptist picking up the silver medals. Shankill Leisure Centre hosted the competition which 36 schools entered and over 200 pupils competed during the three week long programme. Mervyn Bryson (Chairperson of BPSFA) praised the continuing role Rainbow Communications has had on the many years sponsoring the event. "Sponsorship is vital in organising such a prestigious and large competition and we are indebted to Rainbow for their extended partnership with us."

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February 28, 2020
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Royal School Dungannon advance to 4th Round of Danske Bank Schools Cup

Royal School Dungannon advance to Danske Bank 4^th Round

The Royal School Dungannon will play Aquinas in the 4^th round of the Danske Bank Schools Cup after a convincing win against Belfast Metropolitan College.

The Dungannon school set a high tempo in the early stages of the match and were able to profit on a defensive error when Adam McConville slotted into an empty net. Belfast Met started to assert themselves in the game with good possession however it was RSD that struck again on the counter attack with Jonny McCammond curling his shot from the edge of the box into the top right corner.

In the second half Belfast Met made several changes as they looked to get back into the match which eventually paid off as they halved the deficit with a close range finish. This goal gave Belfast Met a new lease of life as they pushed for an equaliser in an extended period of added time and hit the woodwork before an excellent block from centre-half Calum MacGregor allowed RSD to break with Joshua Pinkerton securing their place in the 4th round with a left footed finish.

November 28, 2019
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

NI draw opening Victory Shield game

The Northern Ireland Under 16 team began their defence of the Victory Shield with a 1-1 draw against Wales at Wrexham.

Gerard Lytle’s boys got off to a flying start as Conor Scannell carved open the home defence and sent over a perfect cross to Jamie Donley whose header went inches past the post.

On 13 minutes the visitors deservedly went in front when Donley was brought down inside the box. The striker got up to plant the spot kick into the corner of the net.

Oliver Lamb and Scannell were causing problems for the Welsh defence. In a good move down the right Lamb and Scannell combined well to create an opening for Jacson Coppack but his shot was well held by the goalkeeper.

Two minutes before the break Donley went close to doubling the lead but his powerful header was brilliantly turned onto the bar by Welsh keeper Tyler Evans and the ball was scrambled away.

Wales drew level within two minutes of the restart when substitute Joel Cotterill sent a 20 yard free kick just inside the post giving Alex Henderson no chance..

On the hour Wales missed a great opportunity as a four man breakaway bore down on Henderson but centre back Michael Forbes got back to avert the danger. Three minutes later Kian Jenkins went even closer but his shot from the edge of the box came off the upright with Henderson well beaten.

In the closing stages both sides pushed hard for the winner as play flowed from end to end. Conor Falls tested Evans with a powerful drive and Shea Brennan shot straight at the keeper from 15 yards but the best chance fell to Welsh substitute Morgan Williams in the final minute when he broke clear but dragged his shot wide of the upright.

On Wednesday morning Northern Ireland will face Scotland who trounced the Republic of Ireland 4-0 to top the table.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Alex Henderson, Brodie Spencer,Matthew Carson,Michael Forbes,Josh Roney, Aidan Lillis,Conor Scannell, Harry Wilson (c), Jamie Donley,Jacson Coppack

Oliver Lamb

SUBSTITUTIONS

Conor Falls replaced Lamb 52 minutes

Ethan Sousa replaced Wilson 72 minutes

Ruairi McConville replaced Lillis 79 minutes

Shea Brennan replaced Donley 79 minutes

October 29, 2019
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

St Columb's Win Alan McKinstry Cup

The Alan McKinstry Cup was held in Belfast on the 22nd -24th May. The British Isles competition included teams from England, Scotland, Wales, Republic of Ireland and hosts Northern Ireland. One of the two NI teams Aquinas Grammar had a good 2-1 win over Welsh side Bishopston and Boclair claimed a 3-2 win over Henry Cort to top the table after day 1 of the Allen McKinstry. St Columb's and Patrician battled a cagey 0-0 draw which the Derry lads won the bonus point with a 4-2 penalty win.

In the second round of games a fine win by Aquinas Grammar School over Boclair and a 3-1 victory by St Columb's over Henry Cort secured both final places for the two teams from Northern Ireland.

St Columb's emerged as clear victors in the Allen McKinstry final this morning at the Billy Neill Soccer Centre. They defeated a game Aquinas Grammar team 3-1 in the all Northern Ireland final. Elsewhere, Boclair beat Bishopston 5-4 and Henry Cort fought back from a 7 minute three goal deficit to level right at the final whistle.

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June 4, 2019
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Nutty Crust Easter Football Camps

April 2, 2019
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

St Malachy's celebrate U18 Success

Padraig Slane inspired St Malachy’s College to a 3-1 win over 10-man De La Salle in today’s Danske Bank NISFA Schools' Cup final in Belfast.

Slane weighed in with a goal and an assist as his team scored twice in extra-time to get their hands on the trophy at Seaview.

Paul Scullion put St Malachy’s in front on 36 minutes, guiding home Slane’s cross to find the net. De La Salle’s response came courtesy of Conal McDonald who fired home to level matters on the stroke of half-time.

With St Malachy’s strengthening their grip on the showpiece during the second session, De La Salle were left with an uphill task when Ronan Hamill was sent for an early bath following a straight red card for a foul on Mark Donnelly.

The 10 men of De La Salle galvanised to create chances through Donal McCullough late in regulation time and skipper Calvin McCurry went close with a header in the first period of extra-time.

But St Malachy’s stepped it up a gear and put the game to bed in the second period of extra-time when Slane capitalised on a defensive error to edge his side in front before Scullion put the icing on the cake to make it 3-1 with his second of the afternoon.

Earlier this morning Our Lady and St Patrick’s College Knock won the Belfast Schools’ Cup defeating Belfast Boys’ Model 5-4 on penalties after the scores were level at 1-1.

March 19, 2019
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Belfast District Host Rainbow Communication Finals

The Belfsat District Schools Football Association hosted their 5 aside tournament at Shankill Leisure Centre this month. There were 37 teams in the four heats with Nettlefield, Victoria Park, St Clare's, St Matthews, Holy Cross and St Therese of Lisieux all competing in the finals. St Therese of Lisieux the overall winners with Holy Cross second. #Letthemplay

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March 1, 2019
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Belfast Primary Girls tournament

"Belfast Primary Schools Football Association held their second "girls only" event at the Ozone, Ormeau Park.

It took the form of a 7-a-side festival day and St. Matthew's came top with Orangefield taking second place.

A successful 5-a-side competition was held at Shankill Leisure Centre earlier in the year with St. Matthew's also topping that event."

Elizabeth Bryson

Belfast Primary Schools Football Association

April 30, 2018
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Danske Bank Schools Cup Final

Seaview will play host to the Danske Bank NISFA U18s final on Monday as St Columb's College and St Patrick's Grammar School Downpatrick battle to lift the trophy.

St Columb's College were losing finalists last year and will be aiming to go one better as they come up against St Patrick's Grammar School who are in their first football final since 2001.

The captain of the Derry-Londonderry college is Institute player Nathan Harkin, who will be playing his last game for the school. However, he plans to leave on a high. He said: "It would mean everything. It'll be the last game for the school as I'll be moving on next year.

"I won it in fifth year and it was incredible. Losing in the final last year was hard to take so there is a big emphasis on this year."

The captain of St Patrick's Grammar School Downpatrick, Fintan Canavan, would love to get his hands on the trophy on Monday. He said: "I think it would be one of the greatest achievements of my football career and life. To play with the lads that I have grown up with the last seven years, there would be no better feeling and I hope we can do it.

"Hopefully we can become local heroes at school and in the town and surrounding area. That's the aim."

To find out more from the pair ahead of the final on Monday 19 March, which kicks off at 12pm, watch the video above.

Before the Danske Bank final Crusaders FC's Seaview stadium will be hosting the Belfast U16 Schools' Cup final between Edmund Rice College and De La Salle College (10am kick-off).

"It will be a fantastic occasion for all schools involved in our finals on Monday. I would like to thank the hard work of all teachers and pupils to getting to this stage in both our Belfast and Northern Ireland competitions and would like all players to enjoy the day and represent your schools with pride,” said Northern Ireland Schools' FA chairman Bob Nesbitt.

Entrance to the games will be £4 for adults and £2 for children.

March 16, 2018
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Belfast Primary 5 aside competition

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Belfast Primary Schools’ Football Association is indebted to Rainbow Communications for their continued sponsorship of the annual Indoor 5-a-side competition. Rainbow Communications has been instrumental in the success of the competition having sponsored the event for a number of years and we thank them for the continued support.

The competition is by far the most popular event in our calendar with 37 schools entering in 2018. Congratulations to Holy Child in winning the shield, the finals of which were held on Wednesday 21^st February at the Shankill Leisure Centre.

Mervyn Bryson (Chairperson)

March 12, 2018
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

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Girls bank on 11 aside competiton

The Northern Ireland Schools Football Association has teamed up with Danske Bank to provide a girls 11 aside competition this year.

This year the girls 11 a side competition was held in 5 regions across Northern Ireland. There were 27 teams involved in the competitions with over 416 girls participating in the regional heats with the winners advancing to the girls 11aside finals in January.

In the first of the regional heats at Ulster University Coleraine, Lisneal College and St Mary’s College excelled with St Mary’s eventually running out group winners.

Last year’s winners St Louise’s College Belfast booked their place in the finals winning in a very tight match against St Genevieve’s, Belfast in the Belfast/ Antrim heat. In the Tyrone and Fermanagh heat Holy Cross showed their strength and numbers with their A team having to play their B team in the final. Holy Cross College will be representing Tyrone and Fermanagh at the finals.

In the Down heat in Londonderry park St Joseph’s proved too strong winning their section and not dropping a point against the likes of Glenlola College and Strangford High School. Clounagh Junior High will be representing the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon are in the finals of the school girls 11 aside competitions which will be played at Allen Park on the 17^th January 2018.

The competition aims to give school girls more opportunities at playing 11 aside football, growing and learning the laws of the game. This is the first year Northern Ireland Schools Football Association has collaborated with the competition with the hope that the competition can go from strength to strength in the coming years.

December 4, 2017
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Laurelhill achieve gold schools quality mark

Laurelhill achieve Gold Quality Mark

Laurelhill Community College have become the third post primary school in Northern Ireland to be awarded the IFA Gold School Quality Mark. The School Quality Mark is a vital aspect of the IFA’s Let them Play Strategy, it strives to improve structures in primary and post primary schools to allow schools football to flourish. The quality mark was first launched in Laurelhill Community College in January 2016 with more than 20 schools achieving one of the three levels of accreditation.

Laurelhill teacher Mark Watson is delighted the school has been recognised for their continued development of football in the school “This is the highest achievement that a school can gain, Laurelhill always strives for excellence not just in the classroom but on the sporting field. We offer both A and B teams from Year 8-14 which compete in the Lisburn League, Belfast and Northern Ireland Cup competitions, we also offer girls football from u12 – u18 with 1 team in each year group. We have extensive facilities with our gravel pitch to be converted to a full size 3G and a 9 a side 3G next summer. The school has based its approach on participation however has had success in schools competitions over the years including winning the NISFA U16 Cup and the IFA U15 futsal cup.”

November 29, 2017
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Northern Ireland to Host 2017 Victory Shield Tournament

This year’s Victory Shield tournament will be staged in Northern Ireland – and organised by the Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association.

NISFA said it is delighted to be hosting the Under-16 Schoolboys international competition, which is run by the Schools’ Association Football International Board.

The 72^nd Victory Shield will be staged from 22 October to 27 October, with all games being played at Crusaders FC’s Seaview Stadium in Belfast and at the Bangor Fuels Arena, home of Ards FC and Bangor FC.

Northern Ireland have only won the shield once – in 2000-01 – since the current version was set up in 1947. England have not entered for the past couple of years, so Northern Ireland’s U16s will be facing Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland in next month’s tournament.

The Victory Shield was presented to SAFIB in 1947 to mark, as suggested by its title, victory by the Allies in World War II - and has been played for continuously since then. In the past the Under-16s version of the home international championship has showcased several up and coming stars. Current Northern Ireland internationals Steven Davis, Jonny Evans and Aaron Hughes all played in the competition as well as the likes of Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

NISFA chairman Paul Kerr said: “Three years ago the competition changed its format from playing games over the season to a week-long tournament hosted by one of the participating countries and this year, for the first time, it’s Northern Ireland’s turn to host it.

“I would like to thank the Local Organising Committee who have freely volunteered their time and expertise to ensure the tournament will be a success.

“I would encourage everyone to come to the games and give our world-renowned support to our up and coming stars.”

SAFIB Victory Shield 2017 Match Schedule

Monday 23 October 1pm

Scotland v Wales

Seaview Stadium

Monday 23 October 3pm

Northern Ireland v Republic of Ireland

Bangor Fuels Arena

Wednesday 25 October 11am

Wales v Republic of Ireland

Bangor Fuels Arena

Wednesday 25 October 1pm

Northern Ireland v Scotland

Seaview Stadium

Friday 27 October 1pm

Republic of Ireland v Scotland

Bangor Fuels Arena

Friday 27 October 5pm

Wales v Northern Ireland

Bangor Fuels Arena

September 13, 2017
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

Schools Football back in action

Schools football gets back into action this week and Edwin Ferris, Northern Ireland Schools Competition Convener, is expecting that there will be a surge of interest in the national competitions. “Last season we had a record number of entries for all the competitions and I anticipate that the level of interest will be even greater this time. We have already been contacted by some schools wishing to participate for the first time. This season the 16 strongest teams will be seeded and will enter the competition at the third round while the unseeded teams will play down to 16” added Edwin.

With so many schools from all over the Province participating in these events it is necessary for the competitions to start early in the season and the Competition Convener reminds schools that the closing date for entry to

Under 12 Northern Ireland Minor Cup

Under 14 Northern Ireland Intermediate Cup

Under 16 Northern Ireland Youth Cup

Under 18 Northern Ireland Senior Cup

is Friday 8th September.

Entries should be sent to
Edwin Ferris

49 Mount Merrion Park

BELFAST BT6 0GA

and any teacher requiring further details can contact him by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Edwin Ferris

(NISFA Press Officer)

September 4, 2017
Published in NISFA News
Written by Ross Redman

NISFA News (27)

Seaview will play host to the Danske Bank NISFA U18s final on Monday as St Columb's College and St Patrick's Grammar School Downpatrick battle to lift the trophy.

More...

This year’s Victory Shield tournament will be staged in Northern Ireland – and organised by the Northern Ireland Schools’ Football Association.

Northern Ireland