Manchester School of Soccer U15 Boys hailing from Texas showcased their prowess on the international stage over the Easter period, emerging victorious in the prestigious New Balance Manchester Easter Cup. The team, representing Manchester School of Soccer based at the John Newcombe Ranch, displayed exceptional skill and determination, ultimately clinching the championship trophy and bringing it back home to Texas.
The journey to victory began in 2022 when the Manchester School of Soccer hosted its annual Road to Pro camp at the John Newcombe Ranch in New Braunfels, Texas. During the week-long overnight camp, players underwent rigorous training sessions led by coaches from both the United States and the United Kingdom. Modeled after the experience of apprentice professional soccer players at clubs in the UK, the camp provided intensive coaching on the pitch, in the classroom, and in the weight room. From this camp, talented players were selected to represent the school in the renowned Manchester Easter Cup in the UK.
This Easter 2024, the Texas-based team, comprising players from various clubs across the state, took on formidable opponents from multiple nations, including England, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Trinidad and Tobago, Australia, South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Albania.
Under the expert guidance of coaches Reece Kelly and Matthew Humphress from Manchester School of Soccer, along with coaches from the UK and the USA, the teams displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament. While the Boys U12, Girls U12, and U15 Girls teams secured commendable third-place finishes, the U16 team put up a valiant effort but fell short of the playoff semi-finals.
The highlight of the tournament came from the U15 Boys team, coached by Matthew Humphress from the USA, which included players from eight different clubs. After progressing through the group stage and securing a spot in the semi-finals, the team faced a formidable opponent from the Republic of Ireland. In a thrilling final match, the U15 Boys emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, securing the championship title for Texas.
The squad members who contributed to this remarkable victory include:
Alfie Murphy (Urmston Meadowside, MCR)
Luke Trager (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Benjamin Debicki (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Miguel Silvas (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Richard Hanh (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Lance Martens (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Santino Ciorciari (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Ralph Lara (Lonestar soccer club, San Antonio TX)
Rome Roach (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Mason Pope (Capital City soccer club, Austin TX)
Mason Wise (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels TX)
Caleb Linn (Lions club, Schertz TX)
Jaxon Kirby (Manhattan Surf, Kansas City, MO)
Dexter Chamberlain (Relentless soccer club, New Braunfels)
Pablo Trevino (San Antonio FC, San Antonio TX)
Makai Saa (SA City soccer club, San Antonio TX)
Their dedication, skill, and teamwork exemplify the spirit of Texas soccer and reflect the excellence fostered by the Manchester School of Soccer.