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Football - News
Cambridge United, Development Centre Tour
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Leaving a dull and grey Spring Bank Holiday behind, Cambridge United's Development Centre teams departed the UK on their inaugural European tour. A touring party of nearly 100 coaches, players and families headed off to Belgium to take part in the 14th annual 'Porte des Fagnes' tournament.
After a comfortable journey through the French and Belgium countryside, the group arrived at their accommodation at the 5 star rated Center Parcs Erperheide resort. The accommodation boasts one of the finest sub tropical paradises around, including a wave pool, water rapids and flumes. There is even a tropical fish aquarium where you can swim alongside piranhas! 'The accommodation was fantastic' said group leader, Tom Pell, who continued 'Once the players and families had finished their football for the day, they had the luxury of exploring all that Center Parcs had to offer'.
Cambridge United entered 3 teams into the well established tournament, with two playing in the 8-a-side under 11s tournament and the other in the 11-a-side U13s category. The first of the U11’s team got off to a sticky start with fixtures against RFC Luingne, Stembertoise FC and Baelen. Manager Nigel Hurrel commented that 'this proved to be a good test for the lads and the results didn't really show the full reflection of the games'. The team did however manage to put things right on the second day, beating all the teams they faced and playing some excellent football along the way.
The second of the under 11s teams faced CF Verviers, RJS Chenee and FC Heusy in the group stages. The boys finished comfortably in top spot of the group, continuing their good form on Sunday. Unfortunately, they narrowly missed out on glory, settling instead for runners up.
The U13s faced some tough competition in the group stages, loosing 1-0 in their first game. The team played well throughout and kept performances strong. Manager Tom Pell commented that 'the lads learnt a lot along the way and the maturity and decision making of the squad was evident for everybody to see'.
After the football the group decided to take full advantage of the facilities at Center Parcs, which also includes a wide variety of restaurants from fast food to fine dining. While some parents chose to visit the sauna or hit the bar for some rest and relaxation, the days football wasn't enough action for others, with some choosing to enjoy the sports and leisure facilities including badminton, tennis, squash, bowling and adventure golf.
Tom added 'The organisation at the tournament was superb. We'd like to thank everybody at the Porte des Fagnes tournament, who made us feel more than welcome. I would also like to thank STI for all their help in organising the tour. I can honestly say that it was a hit from start to finish and that everything ran like clockwork. The parents and players loved Center Parcs and there was something here for everyone. Many of the players and parents alike are already asking about the tour next year. In all respects, the tour was a tremendous success for the club.'
The tournament is based in the Limburg region of Belgium and has age groups from U8s to U14s over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. If you are interested in taking your team to this event or to any of the other hundreds of tournaments we offer throughout the year, simply give us a call or send us an e-mail and we'll be delighted to have a chat about the possibilities.
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