Irvinestown's Bella shines on the football stage with major success in Barcelona

TEN-year-old Bella McCaffrey, from Irvinestown, is making waves in the world of youth football, enjoying a whirlwind year of achievement, travel, and unforgettable experiences.

A pupil at Knocknagor PS Trillick, Bella has been keeping exceptionally busy on the pitch, showcasing talent well beyond her years.

At the end of May, Bella travelled to Dub Lane in Belfast to take part in trials for the Nations Cup in Barcelona. From the moment she stepped onto the field, she made her mark, scoring the first goal just minutes into the opening game. After a strong second trial, Bella was selected to represent the Northern Ireland Girls U11s - a tremendous honour for the young player.

Her skill and confidence continued to turn heads.

“A few parents approached us saying how she stood out, which was lovely to hear,” said her mum, Sinead. “But we can’t take the credit, it’s her hard work and dedication, and the help of her coaches who have done so much for her. Bella was excited to travel so far away doing what she loves, and she said an added bonus would be seeing Marcus Rashford over there!”

At Halloween, Bella and her teammates travelled to Cambrils Park in Salou for a two-day tournament, competing against East Ireland, Scotland, Down, FC Barcelona and other Spanish teams. Playing against strong opposition, Bella rose to the challenge. She was even asked to help out two other teams - playing up an age level, and scored the winning goal in the older group’s 1-0 victory.

Her scoring streak didn’t stop there. Across the tournament she netted six more goals, supported by excellent teamwork from her Northern Ireland teammates. Together, they secured five match wins and went on to lift the prestigious Barcelona Cup. The girls returned home proudly with two medals and memories to last a lifetime.

Bella also forged new friendships with players from across the country, adding to the positivity of an already remarkable experience.

Her football journey began early, playing Gaelic for St. Molaise in Irvinestown when she was still in playgroup - a foundation that sparked her passion for sport. Later, in P4, she joined Irvinestown Wanderers, where she trained alongside a talented group of girls and learned from dedicated coaches. In October 2024, she moved to Mid Ulster Ladies in Cookstown, where she has continued to grow, surrounded by supportive teammates, parents, and coaches.

A devoted Manchester United fan, Bella dreams of one day playing for the club. Her first visit to Old Trafford saw her cheering on Man United’s women against Chelsea, with her favourite player Ella Toone in action. Her idol in the men’s team is Bruno Fernandes. A special birthday surprise from her aunt gave Bella the chance to attend a United men’s match and watch the team train from the sidelines.

With so many achievements already under her belt - tournament success, international travel, and appearances in major competitions like the Foyle Cup - Bella is excited for whatever comes next. Surrounded by unwavering support from family, friends, and coaches, she is ready for the next chapter of her football adventure.

This young Irvinestown star is one to watch. With talent, determination, and a love for the game, Bella McCaffrey’s future is shining bright.