Taking part in the Mary Peters Community Cup in Belfast, one of Northern Ireland’s longest-running and most significant inclusive football tournaments, which attracts dozens of teams from across the UK and Ireland each year, the Sarnians won three of the half-dozen games they played on the first day and another couple on day two.
Unfortunately the tournament was hit by bad weather and there were a few changes to the format which saw some duplicate fixtures, but team coach Rose Corbet revealed that the players did not let that spoil their trip.
‘This was the first time they have played in a competition together whereas the other teams play on a regular basis,’ she said.
‘The boys and girl all enjoyed it – apart from the weather. There was a heatwave in Ireland the last time we were there, but this time it was constant rain and when you are playing for two days, 15 minutes a game with only seven minutes break, in that weather, your legs get tired and it is not ideal.
‘But it was good because we do not just play the football tournament, we took them for a day out, which they thought was absolutely brilliant.’
Dynamics also had a ‘guest’ assistant coach with them for this trip, too, in former Jersey Muratti manager Kevin McCarthy.
‘It was a fantastic week,’ he said.
‘It was the first time I’ve met these guys and what a fantastic group. It was very enjoyable and I was so glad to be involved.
‘It was a great experience for me, too, getting to know the kids.
‘They have all got different characteristics, but they all listened in and they did very well.
‘Even when I came back and have been thinking about it, I got quite close to these guys and I would do it again.’
The management team are looking into the possibility of a further trip away for the Dynamics.
‘Normally we go and play the Jersey team, but we will not be going this year and we are looking at various other places to go and we have good links with other teams we met in Northern Ireland and there is the potential to go to England, Scotland or Dublin,’ Corbet said.
Lady Mary Peters has been a dedicated supporter of the tournament since its inception, championing its role in bringing communities together through football. The Irish FA Foundation, which organises the annual competition, said the re-naming of the trophy reflects her lasting impact and commitment.
Lady Mary, who attended the event and presented the medals, said this year’s tournament was an outstanding success. She also said it was a joy for her to have the competition named after her, adding that she loved to see the smiles on the players’ faces as they enjoyed taking part in the tournament.
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