Faversham Strike Force under 16’s proudly represented the Town and Club at an international tournament in Audruicq, France this weekend.
With some of the best teams from France and Belgium coming together, the football packed weekend commenced on Sunday with Faversham securing a deserved equaliser in a one-all draw thanks to a last minute goal against Nosiey of France. The club’s first goal on European soil coming scored by Andrew Parker.
The second game finished nil-nil in very winding conditions before Faversham beat Le Harve Port FC 3-0 with goals from Brodie Chapman-Ridgey, Andrew Parker and Dylan Langthorne.
With Faversham joint top of the group, a playoff match was arranged to determine who progressed into the semi final. After another draw against Nosiy the match went to penalties which saw goalkeeper, Ryan Thomas prove to be the hero. Thomas made an excellent save in the penalty shootout before James Spurrier scored the decisive penalty to setup a semi final against Le Montkainoise from Belgium on the Monday.
Following a close encounter, the semi final went to penalties and it was the Belgium’s turn to triumph and progress to the final, which they went onto win.
Even though Strike Force could not contest the main prize they did secure third place with a two-nil win over French team, Porcheville courtesy of goals from Parker and Ashley Bolton.
This was the team’s seventh tour and saw the club play on foreign soil for the first time. Manager and Coach, Lee Suter praised the tour and the behaviour of the players by saying “Each and everyone of the players showed real maturity and impeccable behaviour throughout the weekend and the spirit of the group is superb”.
Suter finished by saying “The tour was a brilliant experience for everyone involved and to compete against teams with different philosophies and tactics is one that will support the development of the players and coaches ”.
For volunteer and playing opportunity at Faversham Strike Force FC please visit www.favershamstrikeforce.co.uk or contact Gary on 07739 599 916.