We all know how costly being a committed soccer fan can be these days and the opportunity for kids to get to the big games are only there if you can afford it and have plenty of money in your back pocket.

The Enniskillen Town Youth Team started the season in style this year and made a soccer weekend trip of a lifetime for 20 young players. The players were accompanied on the trip by 6 Senior Coaches, Gerry Ledwith, Eamon Cadden, Anthony Fitzpatrick, Cal Goan, Joe Murphy and Coach leader, Peter Goan.

The team who aptly flew out of George Best Airport to start their soccer weekend arrived in Liverpool last Friday morning and their tour started with a trip of the hallowed Anfield Ground. They then proceeded to Manchester where they played their first game of the tour against the Brendon Bees Team in Manchester, Enniskillen Town won the game. After the game the Youth Team headed to their hotel next to the Old Trafford ground for a well deserved meal and a nights rest. On the Saturday the Team started the day with a tour of Old Trafford before heading to Wigan Athletic Football Ground.

The team were given the unique opportunity of a full coaching session with the professional coaches from Wigan Athletic FC. They then went off to top class seats in the stadium for the Wigan V Chelsea game. Daniel Goan (14 years) was Wigan Athletic FC Team Mascot. Gavin McManus and Timothy Tierney took part in the Cross Bar Challenge at half time. Also at half time the whole team were brought onto the pitch.

It was a great surprise for the players to see their photograph in the match programme. It was a fantastic game which Chelsea won 6-0. The Youth Team headed off on Saturday night to a Laser World and Bowling Alley. Sunday morning saw the team head off to play a friendly against Denton YFC again Enniskillen won this game. They were ready for their Sunday lunch when they returned to their hotel and then headed off to John Lennon Airport for the final leg of their trip home.

Checked in and ready for home the boys watched the Fulham V Man U game before boarding the plane for George Best Airport. A fantastic weekend of soccer for any young lad and so a tired but thrilled team of lads arrived back in Enniskillen on Sunday night after a weekend trip of a lifetime.

How was all this possible for these lads you might ask? Community and charitable donations says Peter Goan whose idea it was to organise this opportunity for the Youth Team. Peter says ‘the lads themselves have been fundraising for this for a long time now and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local store ASDA. A big Thank you to ex-Town player Joe Murphy who not only provided a lot of sponsorship, but also co-ordinated all the transport and Entertainment for the Saturday Night.

Peter’s final comment was simply to say that he was lucky and privileged enough to have been encouraged to make this trip happen by one of Enniskillen’s true Sporting Volunteers, a man ever generous with his time and commitment to Enniskillen Youth and community, Paul Keaveney.

The Town team who travelled to England last week. Back row, Gerry Ledwith, Eamon Cadden, Stefan Allen, Ryan Farry, Rory Shannon, Daniel Ray, Christopher Flanagan, Darren Davis, Ciaran Cadden, RichardJohnston, Cal Goan and Peter goan. Front row, Joe Murphy, Daniel Brady, Brendan Lilley, Ciaran Brough, Matthew Duffy, Christopher Carney, Conor McShea, Michael Williamson, Daniel Goan, Conor Watsonand Anthony Fitzpatrick.