From 22 to 25 October, the pitches of Verona, Italy, became the stage for four action-packed days of football as St Catherine’s Under 16 and Under 18 boys’ squads competed in the prestigious Mediterranean Cup. With our U18s reaching the final and both teams securing places in the Elite competition, it was a tournament to remember! Facing strong international opposition, our players rose to the challenge with skill, resilience and team spirit, representing St Catherine’s with pride throughout the trip.

From hard-fought victories to tense knockout encounters, the competition tested our players’ ability to perform under pressure. In the end, both St Catherine’s teams qualified for the Elite competition!

• Our U16s topped their group with an unbeaten record of three victories and three draws.
• Our U18s finished second in their group to secure their place in the next stage.

As the tournament progressed, rain-soaked pitches required the teams to adapt their tactics and approach. Despite the difficult conditions, our players remained focused, supported one another and continued to compete with determination.

A Strong Finish for Both Teams

🏆U18 Boys: 2nd Place Finish in the Elite Gold Competition!

Our U18s enjoyed an excellent tournament run, securing their place in the final with a 1–0 semi-final victory against Aloha College, Marbella. In a closely contested final against the British School of Brussels, they narrowly missed out on the title following a 1–0 defeat, finishing second overall out of 16 teams. A significant achievement for our U18 squad and St Catherine’s football!

🥉 U16 Boys: 3rd Place in the Elite Silver Competition!

Our U16s also had plenty to celebrate, bringing home the third-place trophy in the Elite Silver competition! After an unbeaten group stage and a series of competitive matches, they concluded their campaign with a thrilling 3–2 victory against Firhouse. Educate Together Secondary School (Dublin), securing their place on the podium and finishing seventh overall out of 13 teams. A well-deserved reward for their determination, teamwork and performances throughout the tournament!

Beyond the results, the Mediterranean Cup offered our students valuable experience in international competition. Facing unfamiliar opponents, adapting to different playing styles and navigating the pressures of tournament football helped them develop their confidence, strengthen friendships and grow as teammates.

Just as importantly, the boys represented St Catherine’s with maturity and respect throughout the trip. Their positive attitude, punctuality and consideration towards others reflected our school values and earned the appreciation of the accompanying staff.

We are extremely proud of both squads for their performances and the way they represented our school. Our sincere thanks go to the PE team for their dedication in organising and supporting the trip, and to the families and supporters who encouraged the teams throughout the tournament.

An U18 final, a U16 third-place trophy and a memorable international football experience.

Congratulations to all our players on their achievements in Verona!