Players from Galway Bohemians made history last month when they participated in the first-ever African-Irish soccer tournament, which was staged in Morocco

A 55-strong group of U-15 and U-16 players travelled to the north African country as the city club became the first Irish grassroots team to play in Africa; while Alana Tierney from Clooniffe, Moycullen, became the first Irish girl to play a grassroots association football match in Morocco.

The two travelling squads were invited to play in a tournament against two local teams, Kheiri Football Association and Association Sportive Etoile Anza, with each team playing four matches between Sunday and Monday on a four-day trip.

In between pitch time, the teenagers got to experience the various cultural and recreational activities Agadir had to offer, including sand-surfing, meeting the city’s President, and they were even interviewed on Moroccan state TV.

Leading the delegation were coaches, Mike Cubbard and Tom Trill, with Cubbard saying that “the teams gave good accounts of themselves in the hot desert climate reaching the low 30s during the visit. Eoin Prendergast from Salthill was crowned goalkeeper of the tournament after three fantastic performances.”

Trill described the experience for the lads as “something memorable”.

“I know these players will remember this trip forever. Our club culture promotes inclusion and diversity as well as teamwork and improvement. We had huge support from the parents and local community, and it really was a team effort from everyone involved, and we want to thank them for that.”

Cubbard and Trill incorporated a visit to meet local city representatives of the City of Agadir Municipal Council, accompanied by Barbara Tierney and Annmarie Staunton – Cubbard is a city councillor for the Galway City Central electoral ward, and was an unsuccessful candidate in this General Election held earlier this month.

The Council have a strong strategy to further increase tourism and other connections in the region.

The club financed the trip with parent contributions and multiple sponsorships from throughout the community. It was a huge undertaking, but players have returned with nothing but good memories from their visit to a Muslim country that was extremely welcoming and accommodating.

Pictured: The Galway Bohs combined squads pictured on their trip to Morocco.