Vt. boys soccer team captures Rey Cup championship in Iceland
Girls earn third-place finish
August 10, 2026 | By Brenda HartshornREYKJAVÍK, Iceland—The Vermont Olympic Development Program’s U14 boys soccer team captured an international championship and the U14 girls placed third at the prestigious Rey Cup, one of Europe’s premier youth soccer tournaments.
The Vermont ODP U14 Boys team. Courtesy photo
The tournament took place July 22-26 in Reykjavík, Iceland.
Competing against talented Icelandic clubs on their home turf, the Vermont squads faced six different Icelandic teams during the tournament. The level of play was fast, physical, and highly competitive, challenging the players in every match.
Despite the fierce competition on the field, what left perhaps the greatest impression was the remarkable sportsmanship displayed by their Icelandic opponents.
Rather than ending with the final whistle, friendships quickly developed between the teams. Icelandic players attended Vermont’s matches, cheered from the sidelines, and even sang songs and chants celebrating the visiting American team from Vermont. The warm welcome and genuine camaraderie embodied the true spirit of international sport.
Adding to that spirit of friendship, tournament organizers allowed the Vermont boys team, which traveled with just 10 players, to add an Icelandic goalkeeper named Kevin to its roster for tournament play. Kevin quickly became an important member of the team, demonstrating how soccer can bring young athletes together across countries and cultures.
With determination, teamwork, and resilience, the Vermont boys finished the tournament undefeated, claiming first place in the U14 division.
The Vermont ODP U14 girls team with coach Andrew Minnis, also the Vermont Soccer Association executive director. Courtesy photo
The Vermont Soccer Association’s Vermont ODP Girls U14 team enjoyed a successful tournament as well, earning an impressive third-place finish in their division while representing Vermont on the international stage.
The championship teams were led by coaches Don Haddox for the boys and Vermont Soccer Association Executive Director Andrew Minnis for the girls team.
Founded in 2002, the Rey Cup has grown into Iceland’s largest and most prestigious youth soccer tournament, attracting teams from dozens of countries each year. For Vermont’s players, the experience extended far beyond the final standings.
The tournament became a celebration of competition, respect, and international friendship. From battling for every ball to sharing cheers with former opponents, the Vermont athletes experienced firsthand how the game of soccer can unite young people from different cultures.
For the Vermont Olympic Development Program, the week in Reykjavík ended not only with a championship trophy, but also with lasting memories, new friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the global soccer community.
Team members
The Vermont ODP U14 boys team with coach Don Haddox. Courtesy photo
Vermont ODP U14 Boys and home soccer clubs: Leo Balzano, Graham Black - Vermont Fusion; Cannon Brown - Capital; Leo Guidice - Peak FA; Griffin Lee - Far Post; Tristen Haddox - Nordic; Nile Gray, Ethan Hale - Queen City; Max Bartlett, Kai Hartshorn - Caledonia Flood
Vermont ODP U14 Girls team members and home soccer clubs: Eliza Stone and Addison Donahue from Central Vermont FC; Bailey Eckrote, Raina Foifas and Athena Foifas from Vermont Fusion; Hadley Dolan and Isla Dolan from Peak FA; Far Post’s Lila Broughton, Rayna Lee, Macie Camilleri, and Ella Cornellier; Lily Rosetti, Taryn Barrett and Riley Barrett of Caledonia Flood; and Adley Meyer and Lacey LaFountain of Plattsburgh FC, and Lyla Cyr from the NY Alleycats.
Courtesy photo
Brenda Hartshorn lives in Duxbury and traveled to Iceland as a family member supporting the Vermont ODP soccer teams.