Soccer boys truimphant in London
London boys came back with a gold medal and trophy, proving hard work and determination pays off.
The U11 and U12 soccer teams of Old Parktonian Sports Club have returned from participating in the London International Soccer Tournament Cup Final.
“We took two teams to the tournament this year because we couldn’t take last year’s U11’s due to the London Olympics. We had been preparing for the tournament for more than a year and were ready to do our best. The U12 team won the tournament in their age group and the U11 team did really well,” said U12 coach Duncan Craggs.
The boys returned with gold medals and a trophy. U12 team captain Pelaelo Mahloko said, “London was amazing, we had a very good time there. We played against all the teams and beat all of them.” Vice-captain Thabo Sibanda said to ensure the whole team did well they kept pushing and worked hard.
Craggs said, “I am really proud of the boys, they did really well. We had taken teams to London before, but no other team has actually won the tournament in their age group. I hope the boys grow as a team and continue to produce excellent match performances.”
U11 team coach Johan Nieuwenthuys said it was an awesome experience, especially for the boys as this was a new environment for them. Old Parktonian club manager Lizette Dmescher said she was happy with both teams and the amount of work put in by the coaches. “We want to keep up the hard work. We will be taking a new team next year and hope they achieve same results.”
I participated in the u11 side and although we did not win we all had a fantastic time and enjoyed it.
I myself being the only girl in the side was nervous at first i had an amazing time practicing with a girls side there and getting a chance to meet Kelly Smith And Stepheny Houghton to ladies Arsenal and England players.
The boys did fantastically and it was a great learning curve.We have all come back to be more committed and focused on the game and most of us have grown up to.
Well done boys you’ve Made your country PROUD!!
@ the 2013 tour#played only girl+vice captin