Four Coleraine players following the footsteps of their footballing dads

Much has changed since the first-ever Milk Cup tournament kicked off back in 1983 – but the buzz of being selected to play as a local youngster still remains the same.

The first-ever competition saw just eight teams competing, with the furthest travelling from Coleraine’s twin town of La Roche-sur-Yon in France now teams from right across the world descend on the North Coast to showcase their football skills.

It’s the highlight of the summer for football fans, and there’s always a certain amount of pride for local football fans when they can watch a local kid pitting their skills against teams from the rest of the world.

For the local kids, there are quotes of them high-fiving their school pals in the opening ceremony and pitting their skills against the Manchester United, Chelsea, Rangers, and Celtic stars.

Four Coleraine FC players at this year’s tournament will follow in their fathers' footsteps – who also have experience playing in the competition.

Defenders Harry Marsh, Harry Neill, Evan Anderson, and midfielder Liam Wilson are the backbone of the Coleraine team. They have been hearing plenty of memories from their dads, who all had a great experience at the tournament.

Coleraine Team Manager Ricky Marsh played in the competition for Maghera Colts in 1989.

Coleraine Team Coach John Neill played for the Coleraine and District team in 1994.

Adam Wilson played for the Coleraine and District team in 1990, and Kris Anderson played for the County Londonderry team in 1999.

Speaking to CQ, Ricky said, “I have very fond memories of playing, volunteering, and coaching in the tournament over the years.

“I played in the Milk Cup in 1989; we didn’t do that well; in fact, I don't think we won a match; however, my personal highlight was being selected to play for Northern Ireland against the Rest of the World, which was the tournament finale back then.  I’ve still got the shirt, and you know what it still fits me!

“I also worked at the Milk Cup for about ten years in the 1990s and early 2000s as a Match Coordinator at the University in Coleraine, as part of Tom Stark's team of volunteers.

“Then in 2019, I was part of the coaching team with the Coleraine 2006s, my eldest son Zac played that year.  The highlight was winning in front of a home ground at the Showgrounds.

“I am really looking forward to this year’s tournament. We (Coleraine) have been drawn against Crusaders, Bermuda and Plymouth Argyle, it will be a fantastic experience for the boys.

John is also relishing his role with the Coleraine kids, he too has fond memories of his time in the tournament.

“I remember staying in a B&B in Portrush with the team, the manager was Paul Moore, we had a great week of football. I remember playing against Scott Parker, who starred in a McDonald's advert at that time.

“My older brother Michael actually played in the first ever Milk Cup in 1983 with Coleraine, so it is nice for me to have played, and now for Harry to follow the trend.

“Most of this Coleraine team have been together from they were at Soccer School, they are a good bunch of boys, so it will be a week of plenty of fun for them.

“They have been working hard in preparation for it, we want them to go out and do the best that they can and it will let the boys see what level they need to be at.

“We are hoping for plenty of support for our games, we have been lucky enough to get our games locally, Bushmills and two in Coleraine," told John.

Adam too has fond memories of playing in front of a huge home crowd at Anderson Park: "We were managed by Willie Gardiner, a lovely man who I was very fond of.

"I remember Rory Hamil scoring a wonder goal from the half-way line, I can still remember the roar of the crowd. Great memories,” said Adam.

And Evan’s dad Kris described his tournament as ‘unreal’.

“I was a goalkeeper at that time, playing for the County team. I remember the excitement of winning the Dunnes Stores trophy, this was a trophy you got put into when you were put out of the Milk Cup.

“It is a wonderful tournament and we are so lucky to have it on our doorstep I just hope that the boys do themselves proud.”

CQ wishes all of the Super Cup teams well for the tournament!