Community Games indoor soccer finals deliver thrills and records

Ballon/Rathoe's U13 girls' indoor soccer team had an impressive victory over Slaney Valley's girls at the weekend, in the first final of the 2025 Community Games calendar held over from last week.

Right from the kickoff, Ballon/Rathoe dominated possession and pressed high, forcing early mistakes. Their attacking duo was relentless, breaking through Slaney Valley's defence to score twice in the opening half.

Despite some spirited counterattacks, Slaney Valley were just unable to find a way past B/R's disciplined backline. A third goal put the finishing touch on an emphatic performance.

The morning's excitement only intensified in the boys' U13 final, where two evenly matched teams battled fiercely. End-to-end action had the crowd on edge, with both goalkeepers making outstanding saves.

Graiguecullen's boys were all square with Ballon/Rathoe's lads at the final whistle. When extra time failed to separate the teams, the drama continued into penalties. Graiguecullen were unfortunate to have two efforts come off the post. Ballon/Rathoe's boys were eventual winners earning a second set of gold medals for the area.

Following the thrilling U13 finals, attention turned to the U10 tournament, which kicked off with a record-breaking twenty teams participating. The atmosphere was electric as young players took to the court, eager to showcase their skills. With teams from across the entire county competing, the early group-stage matches promised exciting action.

With an unprecedented level of participation in the U10 category, this year's Community Games indoor soccer event is proving to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. U10 girls' final and boys' semi-finals will be played on Sunday, 23rd February.

Huge appreciation to all players, coaches, mentors, Community Games committee and to referees Damien Lyons and Ben Goodwin.