The penultimate weekend in May saw a group of our Development Centre players and parents go on tour to Erperheide, Belgium to compete the Porte de Fagnes tournament.
It was an early start from Cambridge on the Friday and a long day for some excited youngsters, but after checking in at our fantastic Centerparcs accommodation they had the afternoon to themselves to enjoy the facilities and prepare for the tournament the next day.
The Saturday saw all five teams compete in the baking hot sunshine. Our U8's team, coached by James Cutting, hit the ground running with an impressive display in goal by Oliver complemented by wonder goals at the other end from Shay and Ayden. Some of the football from this group was excellent from a coach's point of view. The information that is easy to take in but more difficult to perform was being put into practice by the whole squad and the consistency shown was very impressive.
Dick Hall's U10's started brightly and kept up their good play throughout the weekend. By the Sunday they were in a position where, if they won their final group games, there was a strong chance they would reach the finals.
The pre-match preparation for this was immaculate and they booked their place in the semis. Two-nil down early on, the squad made up of Jack, Fin, Daniel, Elliot, Shane, Alex, Ashley, Ewan levelled it at 2-2 with the game destined for penalties. Much to the delight of the players and parents they gained their place in the final.
The Under-10 finalists
However on reaching the final the boys learned a bit of a lesson and this was brilliant for us to see the level they should be working to and gives us a 'well done boys, but...!' This is the mentality we try and have with all of our young players so they have that 'never satisfied' attitude and drive to improve.
It must be stressed that the results are not the driving force behind these tours, even though it was positive to see them performing well collectively, the individual development and life experience these players take away are key.
The U12's squad initially found the competition tough going as they competed against boys a year their senior. However, once the basic organisation of the team had been established and they found their stride, they put in a series of good performances.
Under-12s in action in Belgium
Whilst the results and final position didn't totally reflect the hard work they put in, they have a lot that they can take away from the tour. Sometimes you learn more playing against stronger players and teams and not finishing top than by beating everyone and winning the competition.
The Sunday saw another early start from our base at Centreparcs. On arriving at the venue in Belgium our U8's side coached by Steve Lyall started the day's fixtures well. A special mention must go to the goalkeeping skills of Deon who produced a series of fine saves, which fully deserved the parents giving him his own song. Steve was most impressed by the application and work rate that the boys put in, in difficult conditions, and this is all that can be asked of the boys.
The last game for Nigel Ashman's Under-10s
Nigel Ashman's U10 team found their form on the Sunday where the improvement in performances, both individually and collectively were substantial. A group, which had a number of good individuals, gelled together and gave a good account of themselves with a mixture of individual brilliance and attacking team play.
The Monday morning was an opportunity for the players to relax after two days of intensive football in the heat, and the parents to make the most of breakfast in the shade before we boarded the coaches for the journey back to Cambridge. Apart from missing the ferry at Calais, the tour was another success.
Chill out time for the Under-8s
A special thank you must go to the parents whose support and help was gratefully received by both the players and the staff. Whilst the players were at the tournament the emphasis was on professionalism and performance, and they ensured that this continued through the whole weekend.
Matt Wilsher
Development Recruitment Officer
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