Thistles 60: A Tournament of Grit, Growth, and Lasting Bonds 🇪🇺🏑
The Thistles Men 60s arrived at the European Championships brimming with optimism and a full squad of 18—including two goalkeepers and a player-coach. Though the team was packed with talent, many had never played together before, and it quickly became clear that building cohesion would take a game or two. Still, spirits were high and everyone was ready to give it their all.
The opening match was a tough initiation, facing a formidable Southern Cross side who would go on to claim silver. Their sharp attack and clinical finishing proved too much, but the Thistles bounced back in style with a strong win over Alliance in the next fixture—showing glimpses of the team’s potential.
Unfortunately, the momentum was short-lived. A string of injuries began to take their toll, gradually depleting the squad and leaving the team stretched thin. With each game, another player was sidelined, and despite their determination, the Thistles were unable to secure further victories. Even the final match against Alliance—whom they had previously defeated—ended in disappointment.
Yet, while the results on the pitch didn’t reflect the team’s ambition, the real triumph unfolded off it. In true Thistles fashion, the squad bonded deeply, swapping stories, sharing laughs, and forging friendships that will endure far beyond the tournament. The Euros may not have delivered medals, but they delivered memories—and that, in the end, is what sport is all about.
