A report says Carlin’s group will travel from north-east Florida for the 2024 Foyle Cup, which begins on 20 July and brings together players aged from eight to 19. Last year, he took 25 players to Derry; this time, the travelling party is expected to be almost three times larger.
The trip is not simply about collecting trophies. Carlin reportedly wants the families involved to understand the history and character of the north-west, while giving his players a rare chance to test themselves against teams from Ireland and beyond.
Carlin’s own football journey began in Ireland. Born in Strabane and raised in Killygordon, he was reportedly a Republic of Ireland underage player before an injury disrupted his hopes of progressing from a contract opportunity with West Bromwich Albion.
He later moved to the United States on a full scholarship to play goalkeeper for Jacksonville University. Coaching began almost by accident, when a parent offered him $40 for an individual session during a difficult period after college.
That small opportunity grew into Good Lad Soccer, which operates in Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville. The report says the business has worked with more than 1,400 players since launching a decade ago.
Carlin appears to have adapted his coaching style as successfully as his business. He reportedly found that children in Florida responded better to positive explanations than to the more direct approach he had known in Ireland.
That change has not weakened his connection to home. Instead, it has given him a distinctive perspective: Irish footballing education shaped his instincts, while the American market has helped him build a wider platform.
When the Florida teams arrive in Derry, the next storyline will be whether Carlin’s players can match their cultural adventure with performances strong enough to make the Foyle Cup a lasting part of their football memories.