New England Surf recently hosted  Tristar FC from Northern Ireland for a week-long soccer exchange from June 29th to July 6th, 2024. The visit was a blend of  matches, cultural experiences and lasting friendships that created unforgettable memories for everyone involved.  Tristar FC is a soccer Club from Derry, N. Ireland and have been a partner of Surf for a number of years due to the connection with Surf Technical Director, Peter Bradley.

Tristar FC came with their 2008 team, arrived with enthusiasm and quickly immersed themselves into the activities for the week. They participated in intense training sessions, explored downtown Boston, and enjoyed a barbecue with their host families. The combination of soccer and cultural activities provided a rich, holistic experience for the Tristar players and coaches, most of whom had never been to the US.

The action kicked off with a match on Monday, July 1^st against The Rivers School in Weston.  Rivers are one of the top ISL schools in MA and they were a very tough opponent as the Tristar boys started to get acclimated to the very hot conditions.  Rivers ran out the winners and were gracious hosts in providing lunch and a gift to the Irish boys and mingling with them postgame.

Next up was a game against a New England Surf 2008 Select squad with players from Navy, Sky, and Royal again at the Rivers School in Weston. Despite generating numerous high-percentage chances, New England Surf was narrowly defeated 2-1. Tristar looked better adjusted to the conditions, did a much better job out of possession and took advantage of the chances that came their way.  This was a very competitive and even game that also had some excellent refereeing.

The big event was the inaugural Union Point Cup, held on July 5th at Union Point Sports Complex in Weymouth. In the semi-final, Tristar had a commanding 6-0 win over Oliver Ames HS. However, the final against another Surf Select squad was a tighter contest. Tristar FC secured the win, again with a 2-1 scoreline, the winner coming in the closing minutes.

Beyond the competitive matches, the week was rich with bonding experiences. The team enjoyed exploring Boston, attending a Revolution game, and sharing meals together and doing some shopping at the Wrentham Outlets.  They also created a lasting impression with their host families who were sad to see them go.

Reflecting on the experience, New England Surf player, Michael Clark remarked, “The opportunity to play against an out-of-country team was eye-opening. It showed us the quality of European soccer and helped us improve by facing a different style of play. Their class, sportsmanship, and skill made it a valuable learning experience for me and the rest of the team.”

“To be able to provide an opportunity like this for the Tristar boys and coaches was a rewarding experience for all involved.  The players were ambassadors for Tristar, on and off the pitch, and there were so many positive memories to reflect upon for all the boys involved from the US and Ireland.” Said Peter Bradley, NE Surf Technical Director.

In conclusion, hosting Tristar FC was a fantastic experience for New England Surf. The challenging matches and cultural exchange added depth to the week, and both clubs look forward to future encounters that promise continued growth and enjoyment.