The Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team returned home as the winners of the International Trophy CP Football Ciutat de Barcelona organised by the Catalan Sports Federation of Cerebral Palsy (FECPC).
Scotland faced a tough competition schedule in Barcelona, playing four matches in four days against Italy, Northern Ireland, Catalonia and English club side, CP United.
The Scots got off to a flying start with an 8-0 victory over CP United. Jonathan Paterson netted four times with Mark Robertson scoring a double and Connor Pollock and Ian Paton bagging a goal each.
On day two of the competition Scotland faced a tricky tie against an Italian side who had only lost by a single goal to Northern Ireland on the opening day. However, Scottish experience told in the end with Greig Taylor’s team running out winners by 7-0. Scottish goal scorers were Martin Hickman and Ian Paton with two each and singles for Stephen Young, Mark Robertson and an own goal. Scotland’s 15 year old goalkeeper, Chris Moore, also made his international debut for this match, keeping a clean sheet.
Day three saw the Scots face the local Catalonia side and the team were on top form winning by 12-0. Scotland’s scorers were Sean Millership (4), Jonathan Paterson (3), Stephen Young (2) and single goals for Martin Hickman, Mark Robertson and Lewis McIntyre.
With tree victories under their belt, Scotland now faced a Northern Ireland team in their final match who were themselves also unbeaten. With Northern Ireland ahead of Scotland in the IFCPF World Rankings, this was always going to be a difficult tie. However, the Scots flew out of the blocks and were 2-0 ahead at half time thanks to a brace of goals from Jonathan Paterson. The pressure was maintained in the second half and goals from Lewis McIntyre and Ian Paton secured the title.
The jubilant Scottish players collected the International CP Football Ciutat de Barcelona Trophy and to add to the occasion, Scotland’s Jamie Mitchell was named player of the tournament. This was an excellent result for the Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team who will now hope to build on this success ahead of next year’s World Championships Qualifying Competition which will hopefully see Scotland back competing on the World and European stage.
The following players represented Scotland in Barcelona;
Chris Moore, Stirling
Scott Martin, London
Jamie Mitchell, Livingston
Lewis McIntyre, Johnstone
Blair Glynn, Tranent
Johnathan Paterson, Motherwell
Stephen Young, Dunfermline
Ross Russell, Glasgow
Matthew Wynn, Eaglesham
Martin Hickman, Glasgow
Cameron Pollock, Lanark
Mark Robertson, Roslin
Sean Millership, Epson
Ian Paton, Kilmarnock
Head Coach Greig Taylor led the team to Barcelona along with coaches Graeme Robertson, William Hoggan and physiotherapist Jack Selby.
Our sincere thanks go to the Scottish FA, NorDan UK Ltd, The Blue Eyes Sports Foundation, The Hot Tub Super Centre and Fresh Interior Solutions for their generous support of the Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team.
If you are interested in getting involved with the Scottish National Cerebral Palsy Football team or providing much needed funding to help the team achieve their goal of World and European competition, please contact Gavin Macleod on 0131 3171150 or at gavin.macleod@scottishdisabilitysport.com.