UNDER-10S WIN GUERNSEY INTERNATIONAL

Tuesday 27 July 2010, 11:08
by Antonia De Feo @antoniadefeo

Everton Academy's Under-10s have won the BWCI Guernsey International Tournament.

The young Toffees travelled south for the competition last weekend and were crowned champions for the third time in four years after being Fulham 1-0 in the final.

Everton saw off fierce competition for the preliminary stages of the tournament, which involved teams from England, Scotland, Jersey and Guernsey.

The Blues met Fulham in the final for the second consecutive year – finishing runners up to the London club in 2009. And after being held to a goalless draw in the group stages of the tournament this year, Everton finished second in Group A to the Cottagers only on goal difference.

The young Blues improved as the tournament though and progressed to the final after beating Vale Recreation 4-0 in the semi-finals.

In 2009, the young Blues lost out to Fulham in the final in a dramatic penalty shootout, but managed to banish the demons of last year in normal time thanks to a fantastic goal from Dylan Fletcher.

What's more, they didn't concede a goal throughout the entire tournament!

Event organisers were so impressed with the Club's achievement they presented the two Blues goalkeepers with a special award to honour their fantastic performances.

The Blues arrived back on Merseyside with the silverware on Monday, and Under-10s coach Ian Lavery said: "As an Academy we love the visit to Guernsey every year as it gives us a chance to work with our under 9 and 10 boys away from their usual environment.

"It gives the boys a taste of competitive football and we can see how they react to it.

"This year was an exceptional performance as we had two boys who can go again next year and we are so proud that the team did not concede a goal, which is a fantastic achievement."