The U13As and U14As took an Easter mini-tour to Berlin and have returned home with three wins out of four matches, with both squads gaining great credit for their conduct both on and off the field.
The tour kicked off with an early start from Gatwick on the Friday 9th April, allowing time for some sight-seeing at the Brandenberg Gate and Checkpoint Charlie.
Then on Saturday, it was time for some action against the FC Union Berlin's Academy. FC Union Berlin are the second professional club in the city, alongside Hertha Berlin, so it was a tough test for both age groups.
In a close game, the U13s played well against a very good FC Union academy side. The German team emerged 4-1 winners, but the scoreline perhaps flattered the home team on the balance of possession and chances overall. The Badgers' goal came from Jordan Martin, who also had a second effort disallowed for offside. However, FC Union Berlin were a quality side, with some stunning footballers who will no doubt progress to the professional game in Germany.
The U14s secured a good win against their counterparts from FC Union. The final score was 4-2 to the Badgers - appropriately enough given that FC Union were formed in 1966! A first half goal from George Coffey was quickly added to by Harry Ramsey early in the second half. A further strike from Ramsey put Badgers 3-0 up before Union pulled a goal back after a delightful through ball saw their striker score from close range. A half volley from Harvey Mewis made it 4-1, but in the closing stages Union scored a penalty, with Brockham keeper Dennis Rapson almost saving the spot kick as he built on a good keeping display throughout the tour.
On Sunday, Brockham played English Football Club Berlin, a club that has previously sent its own squads to Brockham Badgers' summer tournaments. Brockham's U13s secured a comfortable 11-0 win against spirited opponents, with goals from Sam Lloyd (3), Jordan Martin (3), Lewis Wood, Oscar Cremmen, Justin Tarrant and Simon Vakeva-Baird (2). The U14s had a closer encounter with EFC Berlin's U14s,and came away as 3-0 winners courtesy of goals from Jack Wylie, Harry Ramsey and Alex Nicholson.
Badgers' players and parents received a very friendly welcome from EFC Berlin, who had been instrumental in assisting in the arrangements for the tour, and we look forward to welcoming future delegations from EFC Berlin to our summer tournaments as the links between us continue to grow.
Brockham Badgers U13s: James Rabbetts, Oli Gout, Luc Jhugroo, George Gomes, Jack Coppin, Nathan Hughes, Luke Brightman, Jamie Luckins, Sam Lloyd, Jordan Martin, Lewis Wood, Oscar Cremmen, Justin Tarrant, Simon Vakeva-Baird.
Manager - Jason Rabbetts
Brockham Badgers U14s: Dennis Rapson, Ross Bangs (c), Liam Ratcliffe, William Mahoney, Matthew Higgins, Will Bletso, Alex Nicholson, Ollie Winter, Mike Richardson, Jack Wylie, Josh Brown, Harvey Mewis, George Coffey, Harry Ramsey, Chris Brooks.
Manager - Simon Coffey
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