30 September 2013
The U16 Development Football Development for 2013 was made up of 37 players drawn from 22 clubs having been selected from 109 trialists. Coached by Sean O'Brien (All Saints), Sean Moyes (Ardoyne), Donagh Higgins (Con Magees) & Benny Marron (St Ergnat's) the panel met on 12 occaisions in the period April - August.
In the opening blitz of the Buncrana Cup Antrim defeated both Down And Monaghan but suffered defeat at the hands of blitz winners Derry. In the following blitz at Owenbeg Antrim returned as winners having defeated both Derry and Down.
The third blitz of the year was the final Buncrana Cup Qualifier played at Cookstown, were Monaghan and Armagh were defeated, unfortunately progress to the Buncrana Cup Finals was blocked due to defeat by eventual Buncrana Cup winners Donegal.
At the National Blitz Donegal again proved too strong, however wins were achieved against Laois and Meath. This squad is currently as good as any squad in Ulster, perhaps being second only to Donegal.
The coaching team are confident that this talented group of footballers will close that narrow gap over the coming two years as their attitude, willingness and workrate will ensure that they fulfil their potential.
