Over 400 of our members and friends enjoyed some amazing weather and a lot of football over the bank holiday weekend at Hyde Park. For a glimpse of all the action, click here for our gallery here: Champions League Photos.
This year’s Dalkey United Champions League wasn't just your run-of-the-mill tournament. It was a full-blown spectacle, showcasing the mad skills and fierce passion of our players, close matches, and some penalty shootouts. Our mission? To turn this event into a proper gathering for the whole community and to give our players more time playing the beautiful game.
For two full days, we had over 400 players, battling it out across different age groups from 5 to 13 years old, all with the backing of an army of volunteers coaching and refereeing. The older players coaching and serving as referees were brilliant. Seeing these young players going toe-to-toe with their mates from the area was a real treat. Plus, the folks on the sidelines were having a ball too, soaking up the sunshine (on Sunday) and cheering on their favourites.
For two full days, we had over 400 players, battling it out across different age groups from 5 to 13 years old, all with the backing of an army of volunteers coaching and refereeing. The older players coaching and serving as referees were brilliant. Seeing these young players going toe-to-toe with their mates from the area was a real treat. Plus, the folks on the sidelines were having a ball too, soaking up the sunshine (on Sunday) and cheering on their favourites.
Now, none of this would've been possible without a bunch of legends putting in some serious shifts. Huge shoutout to our main event maestro, Robin Potter Cogan, and the dream team of Clare, Diane, Conor, Dion, Dominic, Gavin, Oran, Franco, Sean D, Luke, Jamie, Mick, Stephen, and Walter. And to everyone who helped with food and the tuck shop including Grainne, Catherine, Franco, Berkehan, Henry, Dee, Suze, Grace, Sarah, and Ailbhe. You lot are absolute champs! Finally, some appreciation for our sponsors! Big thanks to Affinity Advisers for making this whole thing possible. A shout out also goes out to Rushe's SuperValu Dalkey for keeping our grills going with their generous donations, and to CaterHire for firing up those grills. And, massive thanks to our club sponsor Sia Partners, and to all of our pitch sponsors: Bel Gelato, Gold Hat Productions, Home Instead, and Mason Hayes and Curran. Also, thank you to our friends at Cuala for sharing their pitch with us for the two days.
So here's to another cracking Champions League, filled with laughter, cheers, and some seriously top-notch footie.
