Xcel Performance Coaching travelled to Spain to compete in the 2024 Surf Cup International in Salou.
This marked the organisations return to Salou for the same tournament, having travelled their last November.
On both occasions, the side has been fully made up of Island based players – with a variety of Island clubs represented.
Xcel Performance Coaching are no strangers to international competition, having travelled to the inaugural Free Kick Youth Cup in St Lucia in 2022, in addition to the Surf Cup International for the past two years (2023 & 2024).
Friday featured 2 games, marking 3 fixtures within a 24-hour period, which is no easy feat – even with the games being a shortened 50 minutes (2×25 minute halves). Saturday saw their final game of the tournament.
Their 1st game was a 1-1 draw against Elite Academy of Canada, with Thomas Ashley as captain and Kyle Kilroy grabbing the only goal. Flynn Jackman was man-of-the-match.
Their 2nd game saw a respectable 0-5 loss against Las Palmas of Spain, with Zak Sullivan captaining the side. Flynn was again the nominated man of the match.
Their 3rd game resulted in a 2-4 defeat against IDA Valencia of Spain, with Flynn Jackman captaining. Kyle Kilroy and Zak Sullivan scoring. Zak Sullivan was man-of-the-match.
The 4th and final game was a tight 3-2 loss against North Calgary of Canada. Zak Sullivan was captain. and there were and goals from both Elliot Apter and man-of-the-match Kyle Kilroy.
Goalkeeper Alfie Cartmell was selected as the player of the match twice by a combination of officials, delegates and opponents – which is an impressive achievement, especially considering he achieved this twice within 4 matches!
Xcel Performance Coaching squad: Alfie Cartmell (Sandown, Vectis U18s), Alfie Donovan (Brading, Vectis U18s), James Ashley (Sandown), Thomas Ashley (Shanklin), Olly Linington (Newport, Vectis U18s), Zak Sullivan (East Cowes Vics), Flynn Jackman (Cowes), Miles Longerinas (Brading), Kyle Kilroy (High Park), Elliot Apter (Brading), Lewis Parsons (Brading, Vectis U18s), Lewis Kelly (Osborne Coburg, Vectis U18s), Charlie Barnes (Osborne Coburg, Vectis U18s)
Jacob Toms from Xcel Performance Coaching said:
“This year’s edition of the Surf Cup International did not disappoint and somehow was even more impressive than last year, with the level of the facilities, opponents, clubs and organisation exemplary. Having the opportunity to provide such an experience to aspiring footballers on the Island is an absolute honour and something that I’m extremely proud of, both on a personal level and on behalf of Xcel as an organisation.
“The tournament is an incredibly high-level, with numerous professional clubs in attendance – which in our group stage, saw us face Las Palmas U19’s (whose 1st team currently play in La Liga). Whilst we also faced 3 other talented sides, 2 coming from Canada (Elite Academy and North Calgary FC) and the 3rd from Spain (IDA Valencia).”
“In providing these experiences, it’s easy to be swept in with the football and measuring success from a perspective of winning games. Although, in every year of organising and delivering trips of this nature, it’s been equally rewarding to see the development of both individuals and the group. With the conduct, behaviour and effort our group demonstrated this year, and be something they should all be immensely proud of!”
“Despite having only just come back from Salou, we have already started our recruitment process for our 2025 NxtGen programme, which has been specifically created for aspiring footballers approaching senior football (15-21) and looking to access unique and high-level opportunities and experiences. This includes various showcase fixtures, UK based tournaments, and training/development camps. All scheduled into the yearly calendar, before being capped off by our return to Salou for the Surf Cup International 2025!”
Jacob Toms added:
“For any questions, queries or enquiries for our NxtGen programme, please contact Xcel Performance Coaching directly. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram, or can email us on [email protected]
“Whilst for 2025, we’re hoping to attract sponsors to increase our reach and offer, and would welcome any interest from local companies and businesses who could be interested in support and sponsorship.”
