U12 Rovers
U12 Champions League
Rovers 2 – 2 Ballybofey United
On a perfect day for football and with top-class facilities in Ballybofey, our Rovers U12s came away with a well-earned point after a very tight and competitive encounter against Ballybofey United yesterday.
Both teams finish the group stage on 7 points apiece, securing their places in the semi-finals.
The first half was evenly matched, with Ballybofey taking the lead midway through when Rovers were unable to clear from a corner — 1–0 at half-time.
Rovers responded brilliantly after the restart. A terrific move saw Munachi play a superb through ball to Femi, who rounded the keeper and slotted home to make it 1–1.
Both sides continued to create chances as the game opened up, with Alfie Gallagher making three outstanding saves to keep Rovers level. Ballybofey went back in front midway through the half, their striker finishing neatly into the corner to make it 2–1.
Rovers showed great determination in the closing stages, applying constant pressure and forcing a series of corners. In the final minute, Shane O’Donnell’s perfectly delivered corner was met by Zach McKinley, whose header found the net to level the match at 2–2.
A terrific all-round team performance from Rovers against a strong Ballybofey United side.
U12 Athletic
U12 Division 1 Cup Final
Milford Utd FC 1 - 1 Letterkenny Athletic
Milford win 5-4 on penalties
Letterkenny Athletic entered their fifth Cup Final of the year in confident spirits and made a strong start. Four minutes in, Shay McLaughlin set up Lopsy Adeyemi to finish calmly for the opening goal. Moments later, McLaughlin was again involved, racing onto a Kacper Niewiadomski pass, but the Milford goalkeeper produced an excellent save.
Athletic continued to push forward, and James McLaughlin thought he had doubled the lead after ten minutes, but the effort was not allowed to stand. Milford responded well, with Conor Friel winning possession in midfield and crossing for Shay Doherty to level the game. The rest of the half was closely contested, with no clear chances for either side before the break.
Milford began the second half strongly, applying a high press and looking to disrupt Athletic’s rhythm. As the half progressed, Athletic regained control, with Blake Watson making an impact in attack and earning a free kick midway through the half that James McLaughlin tested the Milford keeper with. In the closing stages, chances fell to McLaughlin, Watson, and Aaron Flanagan, but the decisive goal remained elusive.
The match proceeded directly to penalties, where Milford held their nerve to edge the shootout 5-4. Athletic can take great pride in another excellent team performance and their remarkable achievement of earning five trophies this season.
Player of the Match: Brandon Ndlovu, for an outstanding and committed display in defence. Well done to both teams on an exciting final, and congratulations to Milford United on lifting the Cup.
U14 Girls
DWL U14 SEMI-FINAL
Letterkenny Rovers U14 Girls have secured their spot in the Vase Final with a well-earned 3–0 win over Ballyraine. The team will now face Donegal Town in the final on Sunday at 4pm in Ballyare.
Ena Culi opened the scoring just before half-time, finishing confidently after a well-timed through ball from Aisling McGinley.
In the second half, Cadhla McVeigh extended the lead with a clever lob over the keeper.
Aoise Diver added a third late on with a fine individual effort to round off a great team display.
It was an excellent all-round performance from the squad as they look forward to Sunday’s final.
Congratulations to our U14 Girls on their 4 - 0 victory over Donegal Town today in the Vase Final🏆⚪️⚫️
DWL U14 Vase Final
Letterkenny Rovers 4–0 Donegal Town
Letterkenny Rovers lifted the DWL U14 Vase after a strong all-round display earned them a 4–0 win over Donegal Town.
Both sides started brightly, with Donegal Town going close early on when Orla Maguire struck the post. Letterkenny Rovers then took the lead through Aoise Diver, who finished well with a right-footed strike. The advantage was soon doubled when Aoibhinn McLaughlin broke through and scored with a confident finish.
The second half began with Donegal Town enjoying a good spell, as Emmy Byrne and Isla McShane combined well to create chances. However, Rovers extended their lead when McLaughlin reacted quickest from a corner to score her second goal of the match.
Caitlin McBrearty was called into action to pull off a fine save from McShane’s solo run, keeping Rovers' clean sheet intact. In the closing stages, Adrianna G. rounded off the scoring with a composed finish from a well-timed cross.
Player of the Match: Aoibhinn McLaughlin
U9 Blitz
Well done to our U9s who played their first 9 a side game yesterday against Cappry. They adapted well to the changes and showcased plenty of talent. Thanks to Cappry for making the journey to play us. ⚽️
Rovers U8 Girls –
2025 Season Blitz Finale!
What a way to finish our season! For the closing blitz of 2025, Rovers brought not one, not two, but three brilliant teams of girls who wore the badge with pride.
We played against strong Bonagee and Raphoe sides, and the afternoon was packed with football, fun, and friendship. From the very first huddle to the final whistle, there were smiles, laughs, and plenty of jokes—and that was before the games even started!
On the pitch, the girls showed off everything they’ve learned this year:
- Passing the ball around with confidence - Finding space and helping each other - Talking, listening, and working as a team
It was amazing to see how far they’ve come. Back at the start of the season, they were like little honey bees buzzing around together. Now, they’ve grown into proper teams, each player knowing her role, playing with courage, and supporting her friends.
The photos say it all—huddles full of energy, teammates cheering each other on, and a big group shot that shows just how much fun football can be when you play together.
This season may be over, but the journey isn’t. Next stop: winter training—where we’ll keep learning, keep laughing, and keep growing stronger as a team.
Well done, girls. You made your club, your coaches, and most importantly yourselves proud.
