Gary Hamilton voiced his pride at watching Glenavon fly the Irish League flag in this week's Under 14 competition at the SuperCupNI.
The Lurgan Blues made it all the way to the Youth final before losing 3-1 to Charlton Athletic at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
Charlton led 3-0 before Harrison Crooks bagged a late reply for the Irish League representatives.
Read more: SuperCupNI 2022 Minor final: Surf Select boss proud of history-making side
Glenavon first-team boss Hamilton was an interested spectator on the Ballycastle Road, and he believes the club's Under 14 squad have excelled at this week's tournament.
"We are proud of them. They have been excellent all week," Hamilton said.
"I watched the semi-final yesterday when they beat Surf Select 4-0 and they were excellent, and I thought they were well in this game.
"They had a wee chance after half-time and didn't take it, and Charlton's second goal just killed the game. We were dead on our feet.
"The adrenalin that keeps you going just drains out of the legs after that. But the boys should be proud of what they have done.
"They are a good bunch of kids and did the club proud. It is a good learning curve for them and a great experience for them."
This week's Youth section featured several Irish League clubs including Linfield, Glentoran, Crusaders, Dungannon Swifts, Portadown, Coleraine, Ballymena United, Loughgall and Ballinamallard United.
Glenavon beat Ballinamallard, Bermuda IDA and Dungannon Swifts before easing past Surf Select in the semis.
Charlton would prove a bridge too far for the young side, but it was a spirited effort in front of a big crowd at Friday's final..
"We have played against a top English club today in the final, and we were the only Northern Ireland team left standing at the end," Hamilton said.
"That's a good achievement in itself. There were a lot of Irish League clubs in the tournament and we did really well to reach this final.
"Our younger team also did really well this week. It is the overall experience of tournament football that will benefit them.
"As much as they all want to win, you learn more in defeat and they will learn so much from this whole week."
Hamilton added: "It is great for them to come here and be with their team for a week. Being away from their parents and learning life lessons as well as football ones.
"They get a taste of what it takes to be a professional footballer. That's why these tournaments are brilliant for these young teams.
"They get to play five games in five days and they will take so much out of it."
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