Louis Nolan's Cork Youth League team are ready for All-Ireland glory

The Cork Youth League soccer team has gone on an amazing journey this season.

Hopefully, it will end with a fairytale conclusion in Limerick on Saturday if they beat Mayo Youth team in the FAI Inter-League final.

The squad and their management team have been extremely busy, working hard on the training ground since last September and their manager Louis Nolan explains their journey to date.

“Initially, we invited over 60 players from 20 different clubs across the city and county, before we selected the squad after three rounds of trials,” Louis said.

“Our management team this year includes Lenny Forde (coach), James McDonnell (GK coach), Luke Noonan (coach), and Finbarr Lynch (Asst GK coach & medic) and I’m so grateful to all of them, as they put in endless hours of work to improve the team. 

"All the lads have different strengths and qualities and their attention to detail is second to none, which is a real benefit to the team and me.

“Training has gone brilliantly all year and this is down to the work that has gone in behind the scenes. 

"Spending time watching other teams, putting on extra sessions, analysising video footage and everything else in between-no stone has been left unturned. 

"We trained once a week since September last year, adding in the odd session here and there when we could.

“For me, personally, managing the Cork Youth team is something I take great pride in and I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to be associated with this group. 

"Off the pitch, they are fantastic young men and are a credit to their families and clubs. 

"On the pitch, their desire and drive to improve and succeed is unrivalled. 

"From our very first meeting as a squad, they have come together and bonded, it’s as good as anything you’d get at club level in terms of togetherness.

“They are fully focussed on arriving to the final well prepared and ready to perform to the best of their abilities,” Nolan concluded.

Lenny Forde, who has been a coach with at Cork Youth team for a number of years is a huge asset to Louis and the team, however, he is honoured to be play his part with the team.

“It's a fantastic honor and privilege to be a part of this season's Inter-League team,” Lenny said.

“All 23 players are operating at a very high level but most importantly are incredible people to coach both collectively and individually. 

"We've created an elite environment for the players to thrive in, to learn in and ultimately to develop their game. 

"The highlight for me is getting to coach with four other outstanding coaches who are even better people away from the pitch.

“The management feel that the team has bonded like a club side, which is essential in any side looking for success,” Forde added.

Liam Lynch, who just played with his local team Midleton in their FAI U17 Cup final is also very proud to represent Cork and he is really looking forward to the final on Saturday.

“It has been a great honour to be a part of the Cork youth team this year and an even greater honour to have been able to represent them on the pitch,” Liam said.

“Upon being selected at the start of the season, my goal was to improve myself as a player, especially as I am still playing U17 soccer and in doing so, hopefully, be able to contribute towards the team’s success. 

"The lads have been really great in encouraging me and helping me improve as the season has gone on. 

"The training has been really enjoyable and that’s down to the effort that the coaching staff put in every week to make it interesting and the effort of the whole squad to make each other better.

“The highlights for myself would be winning the Munster final, but also my first game against Waterford where we had a great win.

“I’m looking forward to the final and with competition for places really high, I feel we have a squad capable of winning no matter who starts or makes an impact from the bench and hopefully bring the trophy back to Cork,” Lynch added.

Douglas Hall midfield maestro, Evan Cummins is a vital clog to the Cork side, as he has a superb range of passing ability and a great eye for goal.

“It's an honour to play for Cork, especially this year in the last year of underage football,” Evan said.

“My highlight would be winning the Munster final against Kerry, however, I’m really focused on our final on Saturday as Mayo will be a huge text for us,” Cummins concluded.