School footballers agonisingly denied California glory on 25th anniversary

The Isle of Man Schools FA Under-19 football squad has returned home after another hugely successful and memorable tour of California, marking the 25th anniversary of the side’s first visit in 1997.

Despite travelling with a reduced squad of only 17 players and four members of staff following a late withdrawal, the group once again represented the island with distinction both on and off the pitch.

The Isle of Man squad was as follows: Declin Cowell, Dylan Bullock, Charlie Alstead, Jonah Kenny, Harry Phillips, George Leece, Deaglan Blake, Preston Cleator, Charlie Kelly, Alex Bolton. Alfie Moore, Liam Blake, Harry Sinclair, Lucas Corran, Bo Coulter, Oscar Bignall and Noah Campbell.

The tour began with a friendly fixture against Pateadores Laguna, organised by brothers Andy and Mike Thomas, whose support was instrumental in establishing the California tour almost three decades ago.

The match provided the ideal opportunity for the squad to acclimatise to the intense Californian heat and unfamiliar playing conditions before the weekend's tournament.

The Manx side produced an outstanding attacking display to record an emphatic 8-0 victory. Goals came from Dylan Bullock (2), Liam Blake (2), Charlie Alstead, Oscar Bignall, Alex Bolton and Declin Cowell, with Bullock deservedly named man of the match.

The main focus of the trip came over the weekend as the squad competed in the prestigious Surf Summer Classic Tournament in Escondido.

Saturday began with an excellent comeback victory over City SC San Diego. Having fallen behind early, the Isle of Man showed tremendous character to fight back and win 2-1 thanks to goals from Bo Coulter and Charlie Alstead.

Right-back Harry Sinclair delivered an outstanding performance to earn the man of the match award.

Confidence continued to grow in the second group game as the team defeated Surf Escondido White 5-1.

Goals from Alstead, Bignall, Noah Campbell, Bolton and captain Deaglan Blake secured another impressive victory, while centre-back Coulter was named man of the match after an outstanding defensive display.

Those two victories guaranteed a place in Sunday's final, but first the Isle of Man faced hosts Surf Escondido Blue in their final group fixture.

Liam Blake gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot, but the team lost some composure as Surf fought back to claim a 2-1 victory.

Jonah Kenny claimed the man of the match after a tireless midfield display, but a late red card for Bignall meant he would miss the final, presenting the squad with an even greater challenge.

The final, once again against Surf Escondido Blue, proved to be a fitting conclusion to an excellent tournament.

Bullock opened the scoring with a superb individual goal, showing great skill and composure before finishing brilliantly. But Surf levelled from a free-kick just before the interval.

The second half was fiercely contested, with the Isle of Man feeling unfortunate not to regain the lead after a Bolton goal was ruled out and two strong penalty appeals were waved away.

Despite the setbacks and the demanding temperatures, the players continued to battle until the final whistle.

Bolton went agonisingly close to winning the match late on, only to be denied by an excellent save from the Surf goalkeeper.

With no extra time played, the destination of the trophy was decided by a penalty shootout.

George Leece and Liam Blake both converted confidently before Deaglan Blake's penalty was saved.

Goalkeeper Harry Phillips then saw Manx hopes stay alive when the Surf captain struck the crossbar, sending the shootout into sudden death.

Alstead calmly found the net, but man of the match Preston Cleator's effort was saved, giving the hosts the opportunity to take victory with their next spot-kick, which they duly dispatched and took the tournament title.

Although narrowly missing out on the trophy, the squad's performances throughout the week reflected the qualities they had shown from the moment they arrived in California.

Playing in challenging conditions against talented opposition, the players displayed resilience, teamwork, determination and sportsmanship, making everyone associated with the tour immensely proud.

The footballing action concluded and the squad made a well-earned visit to San Diego, where the squad watched the San Diego Padres edge out the Colorado Rockies 8-7 in a thrilling Major League Baseball encounter before celebrating the end of another unforgettable tour with the traditional awards evening.

The 2026 tour award winners went to the following players: Most Valuable Player - Bo Coulter; Players' Player - Dylan Bullock; Rookie of the Tour - Dylan Bullock; Golden Boot: Charlie Alstead - Liam Blake and Dylan Bullock (three goals each).

The Isle of Man Schools FA would like to thank the staff who once again gave up their time and expertise to make the tour possible: Tom Moffatt, Sean Makins, Darren Ideson and Matty Kelly.

Thanks also go to the tour's principal sponsor, MSN Roofing & Scaffolding, whose continued support helps ensure this unique opportunity remains available to young Manx footballers.

As the curtain falls on another successful visit to California, the 25th anniversary tour will be remembered not only for excellent football and unforgettable experiences, but for the character, commitment and pride shown by every member of the squad in representing the Isle of Man.

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