It was a memorable Easter for Hillsborough Boys 2011 Juniors as they not only won a prestigious European football tournament in Holland but also met celebrities Ekin Su and Davide on their way home.
The local lads were competing in the Under-12 section of the prestigious Hanze Cup, in Zwolle, in the Netherlands, coming up against teams from all over Europe.
They proved no match for Hillsborough Boys though as they won all three games on day one beating SVI and Asser Boys from Holland as well as Danish outfit Boldklubben AF scoring eight goals along the way.
Read next: 'We thought he was mad!' - Gareth Clements on the takeover that changed a town
They kept their 100 per cent record going on day two beating Appleton Striker of England and Herlev IF from Demark before running out 3-1 winners over SVI in the final!
"Our head coach Dean Craig is extremely proud of the boys, as are myself and fellow assistant coach David Morrow as well as all the parents and families," said Gordy Nicholl.
"The boys stuck together on and off the pitch and worked incredibly hard for each other.
"They put their bodies on the line when they needed to and came from behind three times, including in the final, to get the job done. "They’ve had a great season domestically, only losing two or three games in the National League, but to win in Europe is just something else and is a great moment for the Club as a whole."
But there was to be another treat for the lads on the way home as they met Love Island winners Ekin-Su and Davide in the airport and managed to get some pictures with them holding the club flag.
"The boys all knew Ekin Su and Davide and it would be fair to say the coaches and parents did too," explained Gordy.
"One of the lads, Conall O’Brien was the first to spot them and he ran back to tell everyone else.
"We were all in an excitable mood anyway and thought it was in fitting with our celebrations to ask them for a picture.
"They were more than gracious and posed for selfies as well as with the flag we had done for the tournament.
"The boys have been tagging them on Instagram hoping for a share or something but I don’t think they’ve had any luck yet."
READ NEXT:
- Kenny Bruce reacts to Larne title win and 'money money money' jibe
Kyle Coney insists Tyrone always believe they are genuine All-Ireland contenders
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
