From Boys u11’s to Girls u18’s, players will represent the Isle of Man across many different parts of the UK. These include Preston, Manchester and Wales.  There are a total of 11 different squads going on various different trips, with it not only expected to be enjoyable but also sure to help develop each and every player on and off the pitch.

Boys U11’s

The Boys u11’s are travelling to Blackpool to participate in the Blackpool Cup 2016 at Easter, organised by Lead coach Paul Lake and assisted by Juan Kinvig.

Boys u12’s

The Boys u12’s will take a tour across England this year, starting in Burton to play against Burton Albion FC Academy. They will then travel to and play against Leicester FC Academy and finally finish the tour with a visit to St. Georges Park- the new home of the F.A. The trip has been organised by  their coaches Gareth Lloyd and Gavin Gawne.

Boys u13’s/u15’s

Both of the Boys u13’s and the Boys u15’s will be travelling to Manchester to take part in the Manchester Cup 2016.  The u13’s squad will be coached by David Pope and Rob Mason whilst the u15’s will be taken by Juan Watney and Norrie Little.

Boys u14’s

The Boys u14’s are heading to Prestatyn in Wales to compete in the Wales Challenge Cup. The journey to Wales has been organised by Michael Fitzmaurice and assisted by Paddy Horne who will also be coaching the team in the tournament. Both coaches would like to thank EquiIOM for their continued sponsorship aid to towards the trip.

Boys u16’s

The Boys u16’s coached by Lewis Qualtrough will be travelling to Preston and Blackpool, where they will be playing friendly matches against Preston North End Academy and Fleetwood Town Academy. A special thank you has to be extended to NFU Mutual for their kind sponsorship aid towards the trip.

Boys u18’s

The Boys u18’s squad are heading to Myerscough College in Preston to play in a tournament. The tour has been organised by their coaches: Ken Hedley, Ben Qualtrough and Mark Adams.  The coaches would like to thank Shoprite and Tesco for allowing the players to access their stores to bag pack and help raise funds for the trip.

Girls u11’s/u13’s

Both of these girls age groups will participate in the North West Girls Player Development Centre Tournament. The teams competing include the likes of Manchester FA, Lancashire FA and Cheshire FA. Organised by Amy Beggs-Cairney, The u11’s will be taken by Tracy Craig and Maxine Smalley, the u13's will be coached by Chris Langford and Jim Gale.

Girls u15’s/u18’s

The older girls squads will travel to Great Yarmouth to take part in the Great Yarmouth Soccer Challenge Tournament 2016. Both Chris Dycher and Sam Caine will take and coach their squads  at this competition.

Lewis Qualtrough, Isle of Man FA Football Development and Centre of Excellence Manager added:

“This year’s range of trips are a great opportunity to test player development within the IOMFA COE Player Development Programme. A special thank you has to be given to the boys’ and girls’ coaches working in the programme. I am sure all players and squads will build on their achievements from last year. We must thank the English Football Association for their continued support of the programme. We would all also like to thank the Strength and Conditioning coaches Trevor Christian (IOM Sports Institute) and Ben Carling (Sports Performance Services Ltd). A final thank you must be extended to St. Johns FC and the Tommy Clucas community sports hall for access to their facilities while the Bowl pitch has been unavailable”.