Published 20 May 2024 4 min read
Men's U17
England MU17s visit Military-based grassroots team in Cyprus
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The Young Lions squad took time out of their training schedule to visit a local youth team ahead of U17 EURO campaign
ENGLAND MU17s SQUAD NAMED
As England MU17s prepare to kick-off the UEFA U17 EURO in Cyprus this week, the Young Lions squad visited Ayios Nikolaos Youth FC (Ay Nik Youth FC).
A football club made up of UK Armed Forces and their families, Ay Nik was first established in 2015 and reformed two years ago by volunteers, transforming the team from a casual ‘turn up and play’ to a genuine grassroots club.
The club provides football training sessions for children aged five to ten, providing the youngsters of a small community based overseas the opportunity to have a taste of what’s available in the UK and to experience the sport we love, delivered by FA qualified coaches.
Ay Nik Youth FC hosted Young Lions head coach Greg Lincoln, his staff and players, as the England team got to meet the volunteers who run the club and give up their time to ensure the children are able to play football in an encouraging and positive environment.
The Young Lions squad took part in a small football session with the youngsters before presenting them with their player of the session trophies.
A football club made up of UK Armed Forces and their families, Ay Nik was first established in 2015 and reformed two years ago by volunteers, transforming the team from a casual ‘turn up and play’ to a genuine grassroots club.
The club provides football training sessions for children aged five to ten, providing the youngsters of a small community based overseas the opportunity to have a taste of what’s available in the UK and to experience the sport we love, delivered by FA qualified coaches.
Ay Nik Youth FC hosted Young Lions head coach Greg Lincoln, his staff and players, as the England team got to meet the volunteers who run the club and give up their time to ensure the children are able to play football in an encouraging and positive environment.
The Young Lions squad took part in a small football session with the youngsters before presenting them with their player of the session trophies.
England will kick-off their U17 EURO group stage against France on Tuesday 21 May (6.30pm BST), and the visit on Saturday made a special end to a week of pre-tournament preparations.
“We had a great day visiting the British Military and their families at the Joint Service Signal Unit,” said Lincoln after the trip.
“Opportunities like this make you realise the power of football and how it can unite people from all backgrounds of life. We received an amazing welcome from the Military personnel and their families and were delighted to present the footballers with their trophies. It’s been a visit the staff, players and myself will remember for a long time.”
MU17s captain Chris Rigg added: “It was brilliant to visit the Ay Nik Youth FC and meet the families of the British military based here in Cyprus.
“The team and I really enjoyed the experience, and it was great to have a kick around with the kids and present them with their player of the session trophies.”
“We had a great day visiting the British Military and their families at the Joint Service Signal Unit,” said Lincoln after the trip.
“Opportunities like this make you realise the power of football and how it can unite people from all backgrounds of life. We received an amazing welcome from the Military personnel and their families and were delighted to present the footballers with their trophies. It’s been a visit the staff, players and myself will remember for a long time.”
MU17s captain Chris Rigg added: “It was brilliant to visit the Ay Nik Youth FC and meet the families of the British military based here in Cyprus.
“The team and I really enjoyed the experience, and it was great to have a kick around with the kids and present them with their player of the session trophies.”
And Cpl Matthew Mahoney, head coach of Ay Nik Youth FC, said: “The visit has left a lasting impression on our young players and has ignited their passion and motivation.
“My little boy has not stopped talking about the visit and has spent all Sunday in the back garden practising to be the next Jack Fletcher as he’s a big Man United fan!
“We wish the England MU17s the very best in the upcoming Euro Championships in the beautiful country of Cyprus. We’re all excited to be there to support the boys in the opening game against France on Tuesday.”
England would like to thank all the Ay Nik Youth FC coaching staff, Sgt Timothy Beedles, Sgt Martin Gedge, Sgt Kris Smithson, LS Cameron McDougall and Cpl Matthew Mahoney for organising and co-ordinating the visit.
“My little boy has not stopped talking about the visit and has spent all Sunday in the back garden practising to be the next Jack Fletcher as he’s a big Man United fan!
“We wish the England MU17s the very best in the upcoming Euro Championships in the beautiful country of Cyprus. We’re all excited to be there to support the boys in the opening game against France on Tuesday.”
England would like to thank all the Ay Nik Youth FC coaching staff, Sgt Timothy Beedles, Sgt Martin Gedge, Sgt Kris Smithson, LS Cameron McDougall and Cpl Matthew Mahoney for organising and co-ordinating the visit.