Pictured in the clubhouse proudly displaying the trophy they brought back from the international football tournament in Holland over the Easter weekend, are the lads of Whitton United Under 16’s side.

They entered the Netherlands Easter open which is the largest competition in Europe for youth teams, with over 200 teams entering from all over Europe.  Despite being an under 16 side, they were entered into the under 18 age group.

Whitton began the tournament on the Saturday with their one and only defeat, losing to a penalty. From then on the lads didn't look back and continued to win the rest of their pool, going through to play all the other league winners from the four other groups, then on Sunday they travelled to Vianen for a chance to become European champions.  The competition was going to be tough but they fought their way through, with the final game against VS Almere, a Dutch U18 academy team.

Whitton went into the game with a 2 goal difference advantage, and the boys all played really well, managing a 0-0 draw which ensured the cup went to Whitton.

This was the first time in over 20 years that a English team has won the Under 18’s group, and Manager Mary Dyes was also the first woman to manage a winning team in Europe.  That together with Darren Mills being named Player of the Tournament capped off an excellent weekend for Whitton.

Chairman Jeff Crane and all the officers of Whitton United extend heartfelt congratulations to Mary Dyes, the boys and the “backroom” help that made this tournament such a success to Whitton United.

Whitton Squad:

Chris Burup, Sam Edington, Ashley Rex, Tom Towells, James Quinn, Danny Hyam, Ben Lapworth, Darren Mills, Liam Rumsey, Nathan Clarke, Nathan Szyuzlyk, Matt Jones, Jamie Curran, Gary Stone, Tom Lloyd, Nick Drury.