SALISBURY FC YOUTH U15 BOYS TO BELGIUM – FOOTBALL TOUR – The WHITES in BELGIUM

For months the team had been looking forward to this event. The players wanted to take on the responsibility of paying their way for this tour, understanding that these trips were not necessarily affordable to all. They committed to match the distance from Salisbury to Belgium by running and baked cake for sale to raise sponsorship money.

On 26 May 2023, at 1am it was finally time to start their journey to Belgium to take part in the infamous HAGELAND CUP. The HAGELAND CUP is a two-day international football tournament which is host to teams from many different countries. The journey took an excruciating 14 hours due to the heavy traffic, but it wasn’t a problem since the team travelled in style on an executive luxury coach which used to belong to Manchester City. Plenty of space to stretch the legs and play games round the tables.

The evening before the tournament started, the team got together on the beach for a bit of beach football to limber up and get themselves in the mood for the next 2 days. After that it was back for dinner with everybody and then to the bungalows where they stayed.

The following morning it was time for business. The Whites were placed in the mixed U16/17 group due to the different age criteria in Europe. Each team had to compete in 3 x 30 min 11 a-side matches in the group stage. The top 2 teams from each group would qualify to compete against each other for the HAGELAND CUP TROPHY. Harley L, the youngest member of the squad, was selected as the team’s tour captain and he was pivotal in team selection and formation throughout the tournament.

Saturday’s first match saw the young Whites take on Hoogstraten VV from Belgium. Despite temperatures sitting in the mid 20 C, Salisbury were ready and raring to go. Wearing their new kit sponsored by RETAIN Healthcare, the team started a little nervy. Though they were outmatched by size (a recurring theme throughout the tournament), Salisbury held their own and dominated possession early. They pushed high and challenged for everything, in a physical but fair match. A lapse of concentration by the Whites allowed Hoogstraten to score the only goal of the game from a quick corner.

The second match was against Dutch opposition SV Gouda, another well drilled team. Learning from the 1st match, from the kick off Salisbury gave everything. They were able to control the game with Joshua W scoring the only goal of the game to make it a well-deserved 1-0 victory.

The 3rd game was a must win to stay in the competition. The Dutch opponent Betrokken Spartaan had lost both previous matches. Their team turned up 8 minutes late to the match giving the young Whites only 22 minutes of playing time to try and get the win. The Dutch team tried hard to make it difficult for Salisbury to find a rhythm. However, through perseverance and professionalism the Whites fought hard and scored two great goals coming from Henry W and Toby L. The game ended with a magnificent score of 2-0 which could have been more.

Having qualified for the next day, the team went back to their resort happy, had a good dip in the pool, a hearty dinner and probably not an early night.

Day 2 followed a similar format to the previous; another 4-team group to play, with the top two playing for 1st – 4th. The Whites were up against an English Team, Lowestoft Town FC. Lowestoft had won their group without losing a game and were determined not to lose this one either. They had the age advantage but unfortunately for them, Salisbury had the fitness and got the deserved goal through Henry H for a 1-0 victory.

Next up was PSA, a so far unbeaten English academy team who ultimately went on to win the tournament. Unfortunately, they proved too good for Salisbury who managed to keep the score respectable at 2-0.

The last group match was against another Dutch team during the hottest part of the day. Both teams were tired, and a draw would have been good enough for Salisbury to be playing for 3rd place play off. Soaking up the pressure early on, defensively the Whites had the game under control. When the opportunity came to break down the wings, Salisbury’s Henry H took it and scored an emphatic goal that eased the pressure and allowed the Whites to see out the game for a 1-0 victory.

The game for 3rd place was against a very physical SV Houten. The chance of an early lead through a penalty for the Whites was denied by a good save. Salisbury dominated the game and was very unlucky to concede against the run of play. Despite hard work, Salisbury just couldn’t find a way to regain a goal. This meant the team ended up in a very respectable 4th place, which far exceeded original expectations considering the level of opposition. Ben W was voted ‘Player of the tour’ and as a result gets to keep the team trophy. He was phenomenal throughout and left nothing on the pitch. 

The fund-raising efforts as well as the tour have resulted in a fantastic bond between the entire squad, coaches, and parents. Many unforgettable memories were made, and lifelong friendships formed.

The tour was a great experience, and the team is already looking forward to the next one, next year! Thanks again to the team sponsors RETAIN and to everybody who bought the cakes or donated in some other way. Thanks also to the awesome parents who not only allowed the team to do this but actively helped to organise the trip and came along as their greatest supporters.

YOU WHITES