16 schools took part in this year’s tournament, represented by 60 teams in 6 competitions; an increase in teams of 50% on 2011.

The U14 & U16 competitions were all contested by between 12 - 14 teams. The improvement in standard on previous years was also apparent, with many of the teams being coached by NIVA staff or international players. 

Tandragee Junior High took away both U14 trophies, the girls defeating local rivals, and 2011 winners,  Killicomaine in the final, while the boys defeated Drumglass High.

U14 Boys Winners - Tandragee Junior High School

U14 Girls Winners - Tandragee Junior High School

Craigavon Senior High won the U16 Girls title by beating Coleraine High. Campbell College became the first school to retain an U16 beach title, following up their 2011 victory with a hard fought win over Markethill in this year’s final.

U16 Boys Winners - Campbell College Belfast

U16 Girls Winners - Craigavon Senior High

Portadown College won both U18 titles, with debutants Carrick Grammar finishing as runner-up in the U18 Girls Tournament.

U18 Boys Winners - Portadown College

U18 Girls Winners - Portadown College

David Park and Paul McIlwaine co-ordinated the U14 Tournaments. Ashley Tsang and Pete Lundy co-ordinated the U16 events and the U18 events were co-ordinated by Nick Wright and Chloe Walkingshaw.

Volunteers from NIVA, UUJ, Blaze, Aztecs, Raiders and several schools helped set up and referee the events. The value of experienced referees cannot be overstated and the loss of up to 8 of the volunteers from the previous 2 events was a worry in the build-up. However, the volunteers who helped this year were excellent and the event ran as smoothly as ever. 

Nets were contributed by NIVA, UUJ, Aztecs, Campbell College, Coleraine High, Ballymoney Blaze and North Down. Volunteers from the World Police & Fire Games who turned up early in the day made this one of the easiest events yet to set up and administer. 

Thanks to everyone who contributed, particularly Nick Wright who co-ordinated communications with the schools and Coleraine Council, organised volunteers and supervised the U18 Boys Tournament.

Pictures from the event can be found here.