Forging links through football

15.06.2007

Young soccer stars from the Caerphilly county borough have been forging links in Europe by taking part in a special football tournament in the Czech Republic.

The Caerphilly County Borough Football Academy recently travelled to the country to represent the county borough and Wales in a two-day football tournament. Caerphilly is twinned with the town of Pisek and the visit is one of many partnership activities held between the two areas.

Thirty-two players went on the weekend trip, along with 6 CCBC Sports Development Staff and 4 accredited Academy coaches.

Football Development Officer for CCBC Tony Wallis said, “The trip was a great experience for the players and staff, both on and off the field. The tournament provided an opportunity to play against good foreign teams who adopted a different style of football than most local based sides, this is vital in the development of the players as they can learn to play in different systems whilst learning and understanding new tactics.”

The tour ended in success with both squads finishing in the top four out of twelve teams in their age groups. The U12’s came in 4th and the U14’s went one better by finishing 3rd.

As for the off the field experience the teams made some new friends from Germany, Holland and the Czech Republic who are hopefully coming over to Caerphilly to compete next summer, this will give the CCBC staff a chance to repay the hospitality shown to them during their time in Pisek.

To become part of the Academy for next season and for information of the trial dates please contact Tony Wallis on 01443 863266.