MIC League of Legends soccer blitz sees more than 150 young players shine

MIC League of Legends soccer blitz sees more than 150 young players shine. Treaty United players (L-R) Raphael Ohin, Ben Lynch, Cian Curtis, Ben Lee and Jevontae Layne with Corpus Christi Primary School Captain, Amelia Duggan Doran

The future of Irish soccer looks bright as Mary Immaculate College (MIC) hosts 2026 League of Legends soccer blitz with more than 150 young players

Ireland may not have qualified for this summer’s World Cup, but the future of the game looks bright as Mary Immaculate College (MIC) hosted its annual League of Legends soccer blitz for the 15th consecutive year on Thursday, 21 May.

More than 150 fifth and sixth-class pupils from 13 local primary schools took part in a memorable day of soccer, as 19 boys’ and girls’ teams displayed impressive teamwork, silky skills and a shared love of the game.

The League of Legends is a collaborative initiative between the Transforming Education through Dialogue (TED) Project—an MIC programme that works directly with primary and post-primary schools—and the PLUS (Primary Liaison with University Services) Network, which includes representatives from 14 local schools. Based within the College’s Curriculum Development Unit, the TED Project partners with these schools to deliver a wide range of activities and programmes throughout the academic year.

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Now firmly established as a favourite in the school calendar, the annual blitz aims to strengthen links between MIC and local schools while allowing pupils to experience life on a third-level campus and make use of the College’s sport facilities.

Dr Ruth Bourke, Assistant Professor at MIC and Coordinator of the TED Project, highlighted the importance of the initiative in strengthening links between schools and higher education:

“The League of Legends soccer blitz reflects what the TED Project is all about—creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration between MIC and local schools that support learning, connection and participation. Through initiatives like this, pupils can experience campus life in an engaging and welcoming way, while schools, students and staff work together to build positive educational partnerships. It is wonderful to see such enthusiasm, teamwork and enjoyment on display throughout the day.”

This year’s tournament took place across four pitches at MIC’s Tailteann Sports Complex, with schools competing in a series of matches to earn places in the girls’ and boys’ finals.

The girls’ final saw Le Chéile National School face Corpus Christi Primary School in an exciting contest, with Corpus Christi producing a strong team performance to claim a 4-0 victory. Captain Amelia Duggan Doran was named Girl of the Match, recognised for her leadership and contribution throughout the game.

In the boys’ final, Le Chéile National School faced St John the Baptist Boys School in a match that showcased excellent teamwork, skill and determination. Le Chéile delivered an impressive display to secure a 6-0 win, with captain Alan Hogan leading by example and Leon Hogan earning Boy of the Match honours.

The winners and runners-up received trophies and medals from players representing Treaty United alongside Feargal O’Callaghan, Director of Sport at MIC, during a post-tournament presentation ceremony. Player of the Match awards were also presented following each final.

Reflecting on the success of the day, O’Callaghan said:

“It has been fantastic to welcome so many young people to MIC for this year’s League of Legends soccer blitz and to showcase the College’s sports facilities. As my first League of Legends event, it has been great to see the enthusiasm and teamwork on display. Sport plays such an important role in young people’s development, and we are proud to give pupils the opportunity to experience campus life and enjoy the facilities here at MIC.”

Other schools taking part in this year’s League of Legends included: Gael Scoil Sheoirse Clancy, Our Lady of Lourdes National School, Our Lady Queen of Peace National School, Presentation Girls School, Scoil Iosagáin C.B.S., St Anne’s Girls School, St John’s Girls and Infant Boys School, St Joseph’s Boys School, Thomond Primary School and St Mary’s National School.