Cambridge United U15s faced a host of Germany’s biggest clubs before finishing third in the Matthias Pape Cup in Germany.
A group of nine of the club’s U15s travelled to Magdeburg, Germany this weekend to play in the prestigious indoor 5-a-side tournament which was held in the 6,000 capacity Getec Arena.
The 20 team tournament featured some of Germany’s biggest names, including Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg, Borrusia Monchengladbach, Eintracht Frankfurt, Borrusia Dortmund, FC Schalke, Hamburg and Cologne.
Three wins and a draw on day one saw the U’s not only progress into the quarter final stage and secure their place on day two, but also finish top of their group in convincing fashion. A 2-2 draw with FC Magdeburg, the host team, meant that the U’s were the focus of the 4,500 passionate local supporters during their third group game and experienced the opportunity to play in an electric atmosphere.
Day two started positively with the U’s seeing of FC Augsburg 1-0 in their quarter final bout to set up a clash with German giants Wolfsburg. Despite a strong performance in a tense semi-final tussle, the U’s could not respond to a scrappy goal from the eventual tournament runners-up.
However, United quickly picked themselves up to defeat Hamburg 4-2 in the third place play-off and cap off an incredible weekend of football.
Cambridge United Academy Manager Richard Meek, commented: “It was a great tour, with a terrific team performance across the two days. All nine team members made a fantastic contribution and it was therefore a great team effort against a number of top Bundesliga academies.
“I would to give a special mention to all the staff and volunteers in Magdeburg for looking after us all so well over the weekend. We hope we will be invited back again next year.”