"TWO MINUTES" shouts supremo Paul Keogh to his coaches. Two minutes to the end of the Soccer Fun Camp for 2005. Three World Cup finals have to be wrapped up in two minutes. The last thing Paul wants is a penalty shootout! Two minutes later and two out of three finals have ended in a draw. Having witnessed the events all day today it was fitting for a fun packed week of soccer to go down to the wire.

The day started when the kids were handed over to the coaches. Quickly bibs were on and straight into the warm up. This was followed by a range of skills that were rotated every ten to fifteen minutes. As a coach myself for the last two years with the Nippers Academy the improved level of skill I saw today was evidence to the efforts put in by both kids and coaches this week. Well done to all. The morning session ended with the World Cup semi-finals.

After a mad half hour on the inflatables the main event of the week took place, the World Cup playoffs and then the finals. AC Milan and Real Madrid had fought hard to make it to the 7's final. Equally matched by Ireland and France in the 6's. Brazil and France had automatic qualification in the 5's final, which took place in the inflatable pitch.

All three finals started simultaneously. I found it hard to keep up with the events as I went from final to final to final but I saw some crackers of goals, solos from one end of the pitch to the other and thunderbolts from the half way line.

The 7's final finished 2-2. It was going to penalties. Unbelievably it was 4-4 after penalties. Only sudden death was going to separate A.C. Milan and Real Madrid. The excitement ended with Real Madrid maintaining a 100% record and winning the 7's World Cup final.

Incredibly the 6's final also ended with a 2-2 draw. The tension was mounting in Gannon Park, which game should I watch. Irish captain Matt rallied his boys in green for a penalty shootout. Unfortunately for France they missed a penalty, which gave Ireland the 4-3 win.

A hard fought 5's final ended in a result after normal time. 3-2 to Brazil. A feast of 31 goals between the three finals, you wouldn't see that on a Premiership roundup!

After the finals everyone gathered into the clubhouse corner for the presentations. Paul Keogh gave a rousing speech thanking everyone especially the coaches, Hear! Hear!

Every kid got a toy and a goody bag that included a size 1 ball, a Malahide United tee shirt, Nike shorts and socks, a poster and a car sticker advertising this website! Amongst other presentations the most unique of the day went to Jack Glanville for the healthiest lunch box.

The kids and the coaches had a very enjoyable week as much as I had a very enjoyable day.

Peter Furey - Nipper Academy Coach