The newly and specially formed Poppleford Panthers Under-11s team were invited to take part in a once in a lifetime international football tournament in France.
Photo: with permission.
East Devon sport – Poppleford Panthers club report: What started as a group of football-mad boys playing for local team the Sidmouth Vikings from Newton Poppleford, East Budleigh, Sidmouth and Colaton Raleigh, quickly became an adventure none of them will ever forget.
The newly and specially formed Poppleford Panthers Under-11s team were invited to take part in a once in a lifetime international football tournament in France.
The opportunity arose through local family connections, with local mum Jo White being the driving force behind the idea with son Sebby being part of the formidable Panthers team and sister-in-law Celine the French footie coach.
The Poppleford Panthers Under-11s team. Photo: with permission.
With excitement building for weeks, the boys and their families set off on the ferry to Cherbourg for a long weekend packed with football, friendship and new experiences.
Before a ball was even kicked in the tournament, the players had the chance to meet local school children and enjoy a friendly game of cricket, creating friendships and memories that extended far beyond the football pitch.
The boys and their families set off on the ferry to Cherbourg for a long weekend packed with football, friendship and new experiences. Photo: with permission.
After a warm welcome and amazing club hospitality from Yvetot Bocage FC – the football tournament got underway, the Panthers quickly discovered they were in for a real challenge. Facing teams from across the region, the boys rose to every occasion with determination, skill and an incredible team spirit. Match after match, they worked tirelessly for one another, defending resolutely, attacking with confidence and showing true determination.
The Panthers quickly discovered they were in for a real challenge, facing teams from across the region. Photo: with permission.
Supported enthusiastically by their families on the sidelines, after a positive start, the Poppleford Panthers continued to grow stronger as the tournament progressed. Every tackle, every save and every goal brought them one step closer to something truly special.
The boys rose to every occasion with determination, skill and an incredible team spirit. Photo: with permission.
By the end of the competition, the young side had produced a remarkable unbeaten run, winning six matches and drawing one with the finals resulting in a playoff between cousin rivals Sebby and Ronnie who plays for Yvetot Bocage FC.
The Panthers outstanding performances earned them the ultimate reward – tournament champions!
Tournament champions: The youngsters are pictured here celebrating their win. Photo: with permission.
The finals resulted in a playoff between cousin rivals Sebby and Ronnie who plays for Yvetot Bocage FC. Photo: with permission.
The trophy was the culmination of a truly fantastic team effort with some outstanding goals and saves. Throughout the trip, the boys were a credit to their families, schools and local communities, behaving impeccably and representing the area with pride. Their sportsmanship, respect and togetherness impressed everyone they met.
The parents also had the opportunity to join in with the football mania with a penalty shootout with the French adult teams, ending with dad Kirk Pond finishing in the top three!
The Panthers were crowned tournament champions. Photo: with permission.
The day rounded off with continued hospitality from the French hosts and an impressive barbecue, trophy presentation and some celebratory drinks.
A huge thanks must go to the three local businesses that generously sponsored the trip covering various costs from the boys new kits, to many coach journeys – Exeter Building Services, Dowsing Chartered Surveyors and Aspect Windows – thank you!
The Panthers received a warm welcome and amazing club hospitality from Yvetot Bocage FC. Photo: with permission.
A special mention must also go to 12-year-old coach Noah Malawana, whose enthusiasm, encouragement and leadership helped inspire the team throughout the weekend. Despite being only a year or two older than many of the players, Noah played a key role in bringing the squad together and helping them believe in what they could achieve.
The young footballers flew the flag for East Devon, winning the tournament. Photo: with permission.
For the Poppleford Panthers, the weekend was about much more than football. It was about friendship, teamwork, adventure and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Bringing home the trophy was simply the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip and the possibility of a village twinning opportunity…
Send your club report to newsdesk@eastdevonnews.co.uk
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