ISLE OF WIGHT U11 BEACH SOCCER TEAM REACHES FINAL AT BOURNEMOUTH BEACH FEST

The Isle of Wight U11 Beach Soccer team made an impressive mark at the Beach Fest in Bournemouth on Sunday (4th August). Competing in the U13 category, the young team showcased exceptional talent and determination, defying the age and physical differences to compete against 14 other teams across 3 groups. The team’s preparation was bolstered by a special training session with England Beach Soccer stars Cam O’Rourke and Connor Henderson, who generously shared their expertise, particularly in mastering the art of bicycle kicks. This preparation equipped the boys to face the tournament’s challenges with confidence. The Isle of Wight team began their campaign with a narrow loss to Ridgeway U13 in a closely contested match. Undeterred, they bounced back with a commanding 3-0 victory over Dexters Sports, followed by a thrilling 3-2 win against Enfield Town. The boys faced a formidable BRS team, known for their success in grass football, in their final group game. Displaying remarkable team spirit and resilience, they secured a 1-0 win, clinching the top spot in their group. In the quarter-finals, the Isle of Wight team dominated LTD Warriors from start to finish, achieving a comfortable 3-0 win with goals from Harry (2) and Theo. Their confidence soared, enabling them to showcase the bicycle kicks they had practiced. The semi-final saw them face the physical Wimborne Town, who had topped their group winning every game. The Isle of Wight boys rose to the occasion, delivering an outstanding all-round performance and winning 1-0, with Tate scoring the only goal. Defender Denys and goalkeeper Artem were standout performers in this crucial match. The final was a rematch against BRS, who entered the game fresh off an impressive 9-0 semi-final victory. Isle of Wight took the lead with a superb flick by Ronnie, following a well-crafted team move. However, BRS’s experience showed as they scored 2 goals to take the lead. Denys levelled the score with a stunning free kick, taking the game into extra time. Despite their valiant efforts, the boys conceded a goal in the last 30 seconds, with the final score at 2-3 in favour of BRS. The Isle of Wight U11 Beach Soccer team leaves the tournament with heads held high, having showcased exceptional skill and sportsmanship. They now look forward to an exciting season in the Mid-Solent Div A football league, where they will face some of the best teams from Southampton and Portsmouth. The team’s journey in Bournemouth has set a solid foundation for future successes, and they are eager to build on this experience in the upcoming season. Team: Artem Yershov, Deny Yershov, Tate Cowburn, Denny Newsham, Sebastian Tiltman, Lucas Hammond, Harry Prangnell, Theo Barton, Ronnie Broadbent, Kayden Chesters Manager: Ross Hammond, Coach: Danny Cowburn