Cork teens put best feet forward for marathon

EIGHT Cork teens with a keen team spirit are taking part in the 2024 Cork City Marathon Youth Challenge, which features a 10k option alongside the full and half marathons on Sunday, June 2.

Anyone 15 years of age or older is eligible to give the 10k a go.

Finn Dalton, Chris Harrington, Jamie Kelly, and Luke Hurley are part of an U17 youth squad at Cork City Football Club Academy who are game-ball to raise funds for trips abroad playing football against other teams.

“The Youth Challenge is specially designed for our young people, it’s about getting involved and making the year count for something special,” said Cllr Deirdre Forde when she launched the debut Youth Challenge last year, during her term as Lord Mayor.

Participants can walk, run or jog the Youth Challenge - it’s about taking part, having fun, keeping fit, and enjoying the unique excitement and buzz on marathon day.

The lads enjoy playing the beautiful game and they enjoy participating in raising funds to play football abroad.

CCFCA organise overseas trips every year to play soccer teams from other countries, and this year the trips include Manchester, Liverpool and Sevilla. These trips give the teenage players an opportunity to play in a professional and high-performance environment.

“Other benefits for the young players include the experience of travelling abroad, it encourages team bonding and prepares them for a career in international football,” says Liam Kearney, who was appointed head of the club’s academy by Cork City FC in 2021 and who has worked as a professional footballer since the age of 16.

“I really enjoyed my time with CCFC as a player,” says Liam. “And more recently as a coach. Managing the U17s for three years I recognised good structures, good coaches, and good players there.”

The teen spirt at the academy is alive and well.

“When I put participating in the 10km Youth Challenge in the Cork City Marathon to the lads helping to boost our funds for playing football overseas, there was no shortage of a take-up,” says Liam.

They are a great bunch of lads who are all excellent team players and very passionate about their football and playing for their team.

“The mid-season break is good for the young players and the 10km Youth Challenge is part of a fundraising effort to help fund trips abroad. The 10k run is a good test for the lads,” says Liam.

He is proud of his team.

“The kids are very dedicated to their sport, and they are decent, respectful lads as well as being great footballers. I am very proud of them.”

Liam will play ball himself on June 2.

“I am doing the full marathon the same day,” says Liam, leading the way.

“It is always a great day out with a fantastic atmosphere. Like the lads, I love being part of the event and enjoying the fun.”

Liam always promotes his squad.

“We have exceptional young talent coming through at the Academy,” he says.

“Our aim is to develop young players technically and tactically, giving them the best chance to achieve making it to the first team.”

Past trips the FCC Youth Academy enjoyed were playing against Sporting, Benfica, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, Sheffield United, Aston Villa, Birmingham City, Derby County, Celtic and Rangers.

“They were all fabulous trips,” says Liam.

The trips promoted the bonding of the team, team motivation and team building. Interacting with players from other teams from other countries is always a positive experience for all involved.

When Cork City Council launched the Cork City Marathon John Buckley Sports Challenge in Coláiste an Phiarsaigh Secondary School in Glanmire, Lord Mayor of Cork, Kieran McCarthy said: “The Youth Challenge is all about creating a platform to inspire young people to get involved in Cork’s fab marathon day.”

The teens are eager.

“Finn has been a member of the Academy since he was 13,” says Finn’s dad, Brian.

“He has always been passionate and committed to his football.”

Finn is talented.

“He always makes the cut, and he is always improving in the large pool of talent at the Academy.

“Finn is Captain of the U17s and that role gives him leadership skills. When Liam suggested the 10K Youth Challenge to the lads, he was first to put up his hand.”

Who does Finn support?

“Manchester United of course!”

Chris Harrington, a keen footballer, is looking forward to taking part in the 10k Youth Challenge and he is looking forwarding to travelling overseas in the summer too.

“I am looking forward to the UK trip in August,” says Chris.

“I’ve already travelled to Portugal with the Academy where we played Benfica and Lisbon, both fabulous experiences.

Taking part in the 10k Youth Challenge is a good way to promote the Academy and raise funds for it at the same time.

Jamie Kelly played U13 with the club and now plays U17.

“I really enjoy football and playing with the team,” he says. “I get along with everyone and the camaraderie among us is great.”

Jamie is young and fit.

“I’m fit and able to be part in the 10k Youth Challenge,” says Jamie. “It’ll be a good experience. I can’t wait for the trip to the UK!”

Luke Hurley doesn’t wait around.

Does he need to train for the 10k Youth Challenge?

“Nah!” says the confident young man.

“I play every week with Cork City so its grand, no bother.

“I love being part of the team,the lads are all brilliant. Last year we played in Glasgow against Celtic and Rangers. It was a great tournament.”

Luke might be spotted by a football scout?

He laughs.

“I would love to be a professional footballer! It might happen!”

Taking part in the Cork City Marathon and the 10k Youth Challenge is always a brilliant day out. Visualise the finish line and imagine the feelings-the crowds, the adrenaline, the exhaustion, the elation, the sense of achievement.

For more on the marathon see corkcitymarathon.ie

For more on Cork City Football Club’s Junior Academy, email junioracademy@corkcityfc.ie