There was double delight for South Holland-based Elite Sports Academy (ESA) last week as they flew out to attend an international football tournament in Denmark.
The under-9 and under-11 teams from ESA both emerged victorious at the Nørhalne Cup, which attracted sides from all over Europe – including Norway, Holland, Germany, Belgium and, of course, Denmark.
The tournament ran from Thursday to Saturday, with the players flying out on the Wednesday in order to prepare for the tough test that lay ahead.
The first two days of action consisted of group fixtures, in order to set up placement fixtures on the Saturday.
On fine form throughout, the ESA under-9s finished the group stage with a 100 per cent record before moving on to the final, which they won 2-1 to clinch the crown.
Meanwhile, the under-11s won three and drew one in the group stages, meaning they qualified for the quarter-finals.
From there, they made their way to the final show-down after coming through a tense semi-final with a 1-0 success.
In the final they played a Danish team and impressively won 4-1 to secure the title.
ESA head coach Andrew Tidswell said: “Considering it was many of the players’ first time away, not just in terms of football but travelling away from parents, the tour was a great success and gave the players memories for a lifetime.
“The environment and facilities in Denmark were excellent and the players really enjoyed the challenges they faced.
“Of course coming away with two winners’ trophies is exceptional and the players deserve real credit for their level of performances.
“We have really talented children in our set-up – and not just in the under-9s and under-11s. The learning and education they have received in the last week will live with them moving forward.
“Things such as trying different foods, handling different money, speaking with opposition teams, the responsibility through airports and passport control, are as valuable as the football they played as they will always be the first time they’ve done it.
“Overall the tour was a great success and we can’t wait to go again.
“I’d also personally like to thank coaches Jamie Sharpe and Michael Fleming, who did a great job throughout the tour.”
You can find out more about Elite Sports Academy and what they offer by liking their Facebook page and following @EliteSportAcade on Twitter.
