Grosvenor In View Magazine 2025

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SPORTS TEAMS

U16 XI Boys Football

Back Row (L-R): J Allen, M Morrow, S Ferguson, J Olaluwoye, H Spence, M McBratney Middle Row (L-R): Dr F Vasey, J Akper, R Buta, P Ogilvie, R Davidson, F Simpson, Mr M Winters, Mr D Tomkins Front Row (L-R): S Harvey, N Marrs, N Murray, O Peoples, J Beacom, S McGinnis

2024-2025 proved to be an excellent, but ultimately unfulfilled, season for the U16 XI football squad. With what was a capable, hardworking and determined squad of players, the boys performed exceptionally at times to make progress in both the Belfast District and the Northern Ireland Cups. Matchdays were characterised by impressive commitment, a sense of responsibility and no small amount of good humour. Thank you to the boys involved for welcoming and supporting me throughout the year, and for the fun and success we had together – the hard-fought victory over Enniskillen Royal in Fermanagh was a particular triumph in the face of adversity against a strong team. Thank you especially to Joel Murray, who served as a fine captain and example – I appreciated Joel’s hard work, commitment and ability to disagree well. The early part of the season was dominated by building a team structure in a succession of friendly games – excellent victories against Bangor Grammar School (4 0, with braces from Sam Ferguson of Year 11 and Nathan Murray), Campbell College (7-1, including a hat-trick by Saul Harvey of Year 11) and a fightback success against Regent House School in Newtownards to win 3-2 (with

Joel Murray scoring a late winner) suggested a team with drive and potential. With no league games for our boys to play at this level (and only friendlies to keep us ‘ticking over’), cup competitions formed the core of our efforts in this season. In the Northern Ireland U16 Cup, we continued our fine start to the season with a 10-1 victory against Mercy College, with Calum Anderson the standout player and scoring a hat-trick. The next game in the competition involved a long journey to Fermanagh to face Enniskillen Royal Grammar School. In what was a physical and competitive game against a strong opponent, a laboured start eventually developed into a fine 4-1 away win in which the boys showed tremendous resilience. Goals from Sam Ferguson, Saul Harvey, Calum Anderson and Nathan Murray cheered us on the long road home. In the quarter-finals, we were unlucky to be drawn away against the eventual winners of the competition, Craigavon Senior High School. Following a dreadful start in which we allowed a capable team a two-goal head start, the boys fought back to dominate two-thirds

GROSVENOR IN VIEW > 2024/25