Omonia Youth FC spread the good name of the club as five teams, made up of over 60 young footballers descended on the Isle of Wight to take part in the island’s football tournament. Representing the club were the U11 Gold, U12 Gold, U12 Green/White, U14 Green and U14 White teams.
Joining the players were nearly 100 family and friends, eager to enjoy a trip away, which for most was their first experience of a football tour.
Hosted by Sports Tours, the Omonia Youth FC teams played against other touring clubs and local teams over two days, culminating in an awards ceremony where green proved to be a prominent colour.
The Under 12 Gold team played in an 11 team league process against teams coming from Cheshire, London, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight itself. The top two teams would meet in the final. After their ten games, Omonia Youth FC impressively won seven and only lost three to top the group and take their place in the final which they won in a dramatic penalty shoot-out in front of a huge crowd of over 500 which included other Omonia Youth FC players and supporters who were also taking part at the tournament.
Other success included both U14 teams, the Greens and the Whites, emerge as the tournament’s fair play award winners, a testament to the positive development and football tutelage they have received from managers Kyri Georgiou and Chris Gregoriou respectively.
At the awards ceremony, ex-Leicester City forward and current football pundit Steve Claridge, handed out the prizes.
For the many players of Omonia Youth FC, the weekend tour was an experience they are unlikely to forget. Not only did they get the opportunity to play the sport they love but they did so in a new environment, thus broadening their horizons, but also experiencing a football atmosphere on a larger scale. As importantly, every player from every team got the opportunity to bond socially with their teammates and players from the other Omonia Youth FC teams.
Thanks go to the managers and coaches of each team for their commitment in taking a team to the tournament: Chris Mousicos (U11 Gold), Panos Papamichael and Andy Michael (U12 Gold), Demi Shamishi and Mike Petrou (U12 Green/White), Kyri Georgiou (U14 Green), Chris Gregoriou (U14 White).
Omonia Youth FC Chairman Elia Constanti praised the efforts of all:
“The Isle of Wight tour was without a doubt a massive success and everyone really enjoyed themselves. We all know that our boys are close, however the bonding and togetherness across all age-groups really did make us all proud and indeed the parents very happy – we all had a great time!
It was also great to see one of the U12s win the tournament and the two Fair Play Awards given to each of the U14 teams was also just as rewarding and great for the club’s status. The other U12 and U10 teams also played a big part throughout the tournament and I‘m sure they will benefit from the experience.”
Mr Constanti reserved special thanks to Mary Kizas who took on the responsibility of organising such a successful tour and whose sentiments were echoed by all who took part on the tour.
Omonia Youth Football Club was formed in 1994 and continues to thrive as a community club with participation, inclusion and development of young footballers at the core of it’s philosophy.
The club is proud that through the enthusiasm of it’s many volunteer managers and coaches, Omonia Youth Football Club is indeed a club that has for over twenty years provided a platform for children of all ages to come and play football, make lifelong friends and be part of something they will never forget.
With more than 20 teams and over 360 children taking part in training and matches each week, the strength of the club is exemplified by the club’s governing committee which ensures the legacy of this proud, community club continues.
As an FA Charter Standard status club, Omonia Youth FC is regulated under Football Association Rules with the club successfully adhering to the strict guidelines in order to retain this status.
Should you feel enthused and want to know more about the club, you can contact the club at omoniayouthfootballclub@hotmail.com or follow the club on twitter @OmoniaYouthFC.