The idea came about from the Mini World Cup of the early 1970s, in which I and most of the managers Cambridge Boys FC played. With the World Cup in Germany looming, we decided to create our own Mini World Cup.

A meeting was set up for volunteers and it was decided that a fee of €5 per player would cover costs and if any money was left over both Cambridge and Pearse would use it towards the running of their Junior Teams. Notices were placed in local schools and shops.

On the day, 180 players registered. A lot of thought went into forming teams of mixed ability to create a fair chance for all teams. Groups, teams and fixtures were ready, pitches were marked, goal posts erected and volunteers assembled, ready for a 6.00pm kick-off.

What we were not prepared for was the huge amount of new players wanting to play on the day. A slight delay ensued and a complete reform of our Groups, Teams and Fixtures, and an even bigger headache, we now had approximately 300 players taking part.

The tournament started on 12th May with 4 age groups U7, U9, U11 and U13. We had 8 teams in U7, U9-16 teams and U13-8 teams. We played a total of 104 games over 2 weeks.

Weather-wise we were lucky in our first week as all went according to plan. The second week our Irish Summer arrived and instead of suntan we got soaking.

The Finals and Penalty Competitions scheduled for Sunday 21st of May had to be rescheduled for Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd May due to bad weather. As we wanted all players to be involved to the end, we had a penalty competition before each Final

Winners: Runners Up Penalty comp
U7 Holland, France, Argentina.
U9 Spain, Portugal, Mexico.
U11 Czech Rep., Australia, Germany.
U13 Holland, Czech Rep., Argentina.

We presented each player with a medal (sponsored by Dublin City Council), a Certificate and some refreshments. Any player who won a final got a ball sponsored by the FAI.

We would like to thank Jason Donoghoe, Youth Development Officer FAI, for his input with this Mini World Cup. His help was immense and through him we got sponsorship from FAI and DCC. Thanks also to Liam Behan for his superb IT skills in updating the ever-changing fixtures and for all his ideas in putting together and promoting our competition booklet.
Our daily team of volunteers: Billy Bolton, Emma Caulfield, Gerard Byrne, Thomas Quinn, Christy O’Keefe, Stephen Hevey, Miguel Gonzalez, David Doyle, Jimmy Maher, Sned Richardson, Oxo Glynn, Willy Cassidy, Joe Smith, Joanie Weafer, Karl Pepper and Andy Nolan deserve great credit for their time and work.

I would also like to thank John Griffin and his volunteers from Pearse: Ger Griffin, Stephen Roche, Jonathan Tormey, Ross Nolan, Terry Deegan, Joan Swaine and Sean Keating.
Our crew of Pauline Caulfield Gregg, Debra Behan, Pauline Jolley, Elaine Doolin, Sinead Tilley, Angela Flannagan and Martin Garvey, who calmed and cajoled all involved, deserve a special word of thanks.

This event would not have got off the ground without all the above volunteers’ time, patience, enthusiasm and energy. Overall, it was a great success and great fun!

Also, I would like to take this opportunity to remind senior clubs that the Noel Fox Cup will start after the World Cup. Last year’s teams have first refusal! Entrance fee is €150 per team.
At the moment we have Liffeys, Ringsend Rovers, Bridge, and St Pat’s CY, so for the rest of you contact me to secure your place!

Above: Winners Holland U7s.