Bolton trip a happy time for young Wanderers

A GROUP group of young Kilkenny soccer players turned into small army of Wanderers recently.

Thirty-three players from Evergreen’s under-14 teams travelled to Bolton to home their skills with crack team of coaches at Premier League club Bolton Wanderers.

The trip, organised over the Easter break, saw the players being put through their paces by the staff of the Bolton Wanderers Academy. The weekend began with a two-hour session on Good Friday at the Bolton Arena. The Kilkenny boys were put through their paces by Dave Fitzgerald and Luke Ogilvie from the Bolton Wanderers International Soccer School. That session was followed by a guided tour of the Reebok Stadium where the boys were given the inside story on the famous Bolton club.

As well as training the Evergreen teams played challenge matches against local clubs. At Howe Bridge leisure centre the Evergreen A team faced Astley & Tyndsley and won thanks to a goal from right winger Ben Hickey. A combined Evergreen B and C team played Horwich St Marys and ran out 2-0 winners with a brace of goals from in-form striker Donagh Mahon.

The highlight of the weekend for the travelling party was the chance to watch a Premier League game between hosts Bolton and Arsenal. The boys were treated to a thrilling game where the Bolton side denied Arsenal a clear run at the title by taking all three points in a 2-1 victory over the Gunners.

The trip, part of the coaching and development strategy of Evergreen Schoolboys, proved to be a successful and enjoyable outing for all concerned.