St Mary’s U16s have returned from the Barcelona Cup tournament with the top prize.
Club chairman, Steve Coulthard said: “We are delighted by the news and offer our congratulations to our U16 team along with manager Graham Makepeace and organiser and secretary, Linda Curl.
“The lads brought the cup back after playing five games over five days, winning two, drawing one and only losing one before winning the final 6-3 against a team from Barcelona.
“We would also like to offer a massive thank you to all the sponsors who made it possible for these players to go on a trip of a lifetime, experiencing playing against foreign opposition and foreign referees.
“We also had a fantastic weekend at our own club tournament with 65 teams playing at age groups from 7-15 with teams from all over the North East.
“We welcomed over 1,000 parents, 800 players, over 100 coaches, 20 referees and scouts from Sunderland, Newcastle and Middlesbrough with some fantastic games being played at all age groups.
“Our St Mary’s teams managed to get to the finals at U7, U8, U11, U12, U13 and U15 age groups against some very strong opposition and over 100 trophies were given out to the winners and runners up.
“We would like to thank Bishop Auckland College for letting us use their car park and St John’s School for the pitches. Thanks to all the referees who supported and officiated over the weekend and the volunteers who helped out with all of the organisation.
“We have had tremendous feedback from a lot of the away teams about how much they enjoyed the tournament and how much they are looking forward to coming back next year.”
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
