Arklow United FC U13A Crowned Holland Cup Champions 2025

The Arklow United FC U13A team returned home as champions of the Holland Cup 2025, following a thrilling weekend of top-tier football and unforgettable memories in the Netherlands.

The young squad showcased talent, resilience, and determination across both days of the prestigious international tournament, earning well-deserved silverware and doing their club and community proud.

The tournament kicked off with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Danish side AC Norddjurs, setting the tone for what would be an outstanding weekend. The team followed this with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland’s St Oliver Plunketts, a disciplined performance that kept them in strong contention.

To finish off the day, the side dug deep for a superb 3-1 win over local club FC Almere, topping their group and advancing to the second round with confidence.

Day two began with a challenge, as they fell 1-0 behind against Liverpool’s River Junior Navio. But the boys kept their heads, stuck to their style of play, and came back to win 2-1, showing impressive composure and maturity.

In the semi-final, they faced Belgian club RSC Beaufays, securing a 2-1 win in a game where the scoreline didn’t quite reflect United’s dominance. That result booked them a place in the final with a rematch against St Oliver Plunketts.

Having drawn 0-0 the day before, they came into the final determined to make their mark, and they did just that. Controlling the tempo from the first whistle, the young side played assured, confident football and sealed the 2-0 win with two well-worked goals, lifting the Holland Cup in style.

The victory marks yet another incredible achievement for this promising team, who continue to impress at home and abroad.

Following their success, the club said;

“Special credit is due to the coaching staff and all the parents who helped organise the trip in what was a weekend that not only brought success on the pitch, but lifelong memories off it.”