This under 15 tournament in Northern Ireland was a footballing scouts dream, where raw talent was aplenty. The first match Hearts were involved in was a 2-0 win against Monarchs Moreila. The following day Hearts next match was against one of the favourites Manchester United. The English giants were odds-on to win this one, but were upstaged by a very sprightly Hearts team, and were undone by young Dennis McLaughlin's first half effort in a 1-0 victory.
Great start. Into the quarter finals. Cue Otago. The New Zealand starlets came on the back of a draw against eventual finalists Belvedere and a victory against County Down. A 3-1 victory ensured the young Hearts team eased their way into the Semis. Goals came from McDonald, Elliot and Denis McLaughlin.
Semi Final. Crewe Alexandra were the opposition for us. The English outfit squeezed through the Quarter finals courtesy of a penalty shoot out against Japan. Callum Elliot secured Hearts al place into the final with a goal either side of half time at the Ballymoney showgrounds.
Belvedere were Hearts final opponents. The Dublin side disposed of Jomo Cosmos, and Funabashi HS to reach the final. Belvedere took the lead through No 10 Derek Swan just before the Interval. Hearts soon found their feet though. Callum Elliot scored Hearts' equaliser. Dennis McLaughlin put Hearts ahead, and Calum Elliot once again got on the scoresheet to put the tie out of reach for the Dubliners, in front of a healthy crowd of just over 4,000.