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Spes Borgotrebbia Visit, under Massimo Larini and Paul Murgatroyd management. Thank you for a job well done.
Castleknock Celtic’s Unde-10’s travelled recently to Piacenza, 70 kms south-east of Milan, for the Sandro Pietra Tournament. Celtic’s participation was part of their twinning with Piacenza’s local club, Spes Beorgotrebbia. They were fortunate that their arrival there coincided with the centennial Giro d’Italia which is a huge event in Italy and the spectacle blew the Celtic team and parents away by the colourful spectacle and amazing speed of the bikes. more memories
The Irish boys struck up a warm relationship with their Spes Borgotrebbia hosts who treated them and the Celtic travelling party to a delicious mouth-watering pizza in Piacenza’s Da Pasquale, which along with children’s travel costs, were sponsored by Ebay’s Global Impact Team.
The team was up bright and early on Saturday and headed to the San Nicole venue. Celtic’s first opponents were Borgonovese. It was the home team who struck first and they took the lead after the break. However, captain Yousaf Shah equalised for Celtic when he shot spectacularly from the edge of the box. So the first game ended in a deserved draw.
Celtic were well warmed up by now, and their second game against Royale Fiore saw the visitors turn on the style. They ran out winners with goals from Luke Simmonds, Daire Glennane, Cristian Larini and captain Alex Murgatroyd. Celtic’s Michael Mahon, Cillian Murray and Brion McGrath were solid in defence, cheered on by their enthusiastic travelling supporters and the local support, including Spes’s Under-11s team.
The final day of football saw Celtic taken on Baby Brazil who were among the favourites after a strong performance against Royale. Celtic went ahead with goals from Luke Simmonds and Daire Glennane. The opponents fought hard to gain a foothold, but it was Celtic who secured the win when Alex and Cristian found the net. Going into he final game, Celtic had to face the tournament favourites Sarmatese. It was a very tight affair, with Luke Simmonds and Brion McGrath going close. It was however in the final minute before the break that a piece of brilliance from Luke saw him reach a ball that seemed a lost cause. He then unleashed a daring left-footed shot that gave the keeper no chance. In the second half, Sarmatese upped their game, and were only denied by commanding defensive performances from Michael Mahon, Alex Murgatroyd and Yousaf Shah. Celtic were fortunate that Cristian Larini was unbeatable in goal. Then in the dying minutes, Luke Simmonds was on target, which was quickly followed by a screamer from Cillian Murray which ensured Celtic were the Sandro Pietra tournament champions. Celtic had won the trophy, but also the hearts of the local spectators who had supported the Irish visitors throughout. Special thanks goes to the Spes Borgotrebbia management, Maurizio Russo, Luca Podesta and Paolo Toscani and all the parents for the superb hospitality throughout the 3 day visit.
This trip will remain in the Celtic’s Galacticos memories forever. The kids thoroughly enjoyed making new friends, bonding with their team mates, playing the beautiful game, all the while having fun.
Well done to all, Alex, Brion, Cillian, Cristian, Daire, Michael, Luke, Yousaf and buddy assistant coach Paolo Murgatroyd …let’s enjoy the glory and savour the memory as long as possible.
A very special thanks goes to the Spes Borgotrebbia management Maurizio Russo, Luca Podesta , Paolo Toscani and all the parents for the superb hospitality throughout our three day stay.
