A week ago Carniny U13’s caught the early morning Edinburgh flight on Saturday morning to be met by the Hibernian coaches and travelled directly to the training complex at Ormiston. After a brief tour they experienced a coaching session from one of Hibernian’s FIFA elite coaches which the lads thoroughly enjoyed. The drills escalated in intensity so the boys came off the pitch not realising the effort they had put in. Back onto the coach they travelled to the local team’s clubhouse to get a quick lunch and then straight to the pitch for a game against a mix of U14/U15 players to really test the team. Playing in torrential rain they matched their opponents with their relentless pressure and with the scores 1-1 the opposition nicked a goal just at half time. The full days activities started to catch up and against the older opposition the boys started to tire. Against an older, stronger team, Carniny made a lot of friends with their competitive spirit and attractive football. All the team were glad though to get back to the hotel to get warmed after the tiring day.

Up early on Sunday the boys travelled to play another local team and taking the confidence on from yesterday’s exploits they started passing the ball around the park confidently. Mixing and rotating the team the boys ran out victorious but the pleasing thing was the manner and style of the play. Firm friends were made with the other team. The final part of the weekend was a full tour of Hibernian’s home ground at Easter Road stadium where the boys were given a personal tour of everywhere from the directors box to the dugout. The day ended with a full lap of the pitch which turned into a race for the team.

All in all a very enjoyable weekend, which was enhanced with the organisation and consideration from Hibernian representative. Friendships were made and the boys will all remember the weekend they spent in Edinburgh.