A UNIQUE blend of experience and youth came together on Saturday, May 2, as a Cowal representative side travelled to Toryglen for the Kyle Cup seniors tournament in Glasgow.
Formed at short notice following a team withdrawal, the squad brought together players from Cowal FC and the local six-a-side scene. Despite limited preparation, the side quickly gelled in the 11-a-side, four-team format hosted by Eastfield United, who entered both an A and B team.
The Cowal squad featured a true family affair, with father and son duo Anthony Davies and Jack Davies lining up alongside father and daughter John Colquhoun and Kimberley Colquhoun.
With a mix of over-35s, over-45s, and even a couple of over-50s (who preferred to keep that detail under wraps), the experience in the squad was balanced by younger players who added energy and pace. This combination proved effective as the team grew into the tournament.
After a challenging opening match, the side found their rhythm, going on to record one win, one draw, and one defeat — enough to secure an impressive second-place finish.
The tournament was ultimately won by a strong side from the Isle of Skye, featuring local connection Norman MacDonald, who made the journey to Glasgow and made his mark by scoring against the Cowal team.
While results were encouraging, the day was about more than standings. For several players — particularly the women from Cowal FC — it marked their first experience of the 11-a-side format. They rose to the occasion admirably, putting in confident and determined performances throughout.
Goalkeeper Ramona Fomina was deservedly named Player of the Day for her standout contributions between the posts, with Fay Robertson not far behind her with an immense performance at the centre of defence, while the team was led by Steph Siegerson, who opened the scoring on the day. Irvine MacArthur, who is still playing regular amateur football, showed his quality with a handful of great goals, as did Jack Davies, who added goals and real drive down the right-hand side.
The full matchday squad was: Ramona Fomina, Fay Robertson, Ruth MacPherson, Steph Siegerson (Captain), Claire Segeren, Julka Gunn, Scott Sneddon, Irvine MacArthur, Jack Davies, Anthony Davies, John Colquhoun, Kimberley Colquhoun, and Jamie Laing.
In the end, the Kyle Cup proved to be a memorable occasion — not just for the football played, but for the inclusivity and community pride on display from a Cowal team brought together at the last minute and leaving with plenty to be proud of.
The local club has extended a welcome to the teams if they fancy making a trip down the water to play over in Dunoon, as a gesture of goodwill.
Cowal FC has been training as hard as ever, although the spring league suffered a necessary hiatus but will restart in August. In the meantime, the team is scheduled in some friendlies and has new strips with a new local sponsor backing the team, which will be launched next month, with two teams entering the local five-a-side police games.
