At the end of May we took a small percentage of our Development Centre players to take part in the Limbourg Cup in Belgium. Parents and family members were also invited for the Bank Holiday weekend, which is something we have not done before.

The tournament took place over the weekend of the 24th and 25th May and was a great experience for all the players involved. The main aim in taking this group of players away on tour was so that they could experience playing the game in all sorts of different environments and what they would also experience off the pitch.

We entered three teams, of which two teams were entered into the U10/U11 tournament playing 8v8 and the other playing in the U12/U13 tournament playing 11v11.

The first small sided team taken by Nigel Hurrell faced RFC Luingne A, Stembertoise and FC Baelen in the group stages. This proved to be a good test for the lads and results didn't really show the full reflection of the games as the lads just lacked a little bit of luck in front of goal and the opposing keepers being fully worked. The lack of cutting edge in front of goal stopped the lads from progressing as they would have wished to, but lessons were learnt and this is why they were there.

They did however put this right on the second day, beating all the teams that they played convincingly and playing some excellent football along the way too.

The other U10/11 side was taken by Steve Lyall and were outstanding throughout both days. The speed of play and clinical finishing made everyone stand up and take note! The boys finished comfortably at the top of their group on the first day and continued with more of the same on the second, eventually losing in the final.

This squad was superb against the likes of CF Verviers, RJS Chenee and FC Heusy, and although the lads were disappointed to lose in the final they had all been a credit to the club throughout.

The U12s were under the tuition of Tom Pell and faced some tough opposition in the first stage of the competition as they were grouped with E.Elsautoise, Stembertoise FC and RJS Chenee. Although the lads were defeated in their first game 1-0, they showed excellent character to beat Stembertoise, who eventually lost in the final by a goal to nil. The maturity and decision making of the squad was evident for everyone to see and they made sure that they kept their high standards throughout. The lads eventually finished ninth and also learnt a lot along the way.

Once the players and families had finished their football for the day they had the luxury of exploring all Centre Parcs had to offer at our accommodation, which was fantastic. This included a state of the art swimming pool, with rapids, water slides, fish enclosures, the lot! As well as the nice restaurants and everything else that was there.

Here are some photos of the lads (including Elkanah picking up the runners up trophy).

We would like to thank everyone who attended and ensured that it was a fantastic time for all involved. Roll on next year!

Tom Pell

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