United’s Under-11s had an amazing experience playing in the Pro Academy Tournament last weekend, as they competed against some of the best academies across Europe.
With the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Fiorentina, West Ham and many more top clubs represented, The Young Gulls showed up well in this prestigious tournament, producing some excellent performances and promising results along the way.
The task facing United was clearly evident from the first encounter, as Torquay took on an Arsenal side that would unsurprisingly go on to top the group.
Although The Gunners ran out 4-0 winners, coaches Ian Wooldridge & Shane Shobbrook were proud of how their side grew into the game, with the lads having no doubt learned a lot from the excellent movement shown from a highly-rated side.
The side followed up that by claiming their first point of the tournament against Reading, as striker Teddy Shobbrook put United ahead with a great strike into the top corner. Although a late equaliser denied our lads maximum points, it was nevertheless another positive performance from the group.
A continental test was next up on the agenda, as Torquay faced up against Genk.
The Belgian side started strongly and were impressive in the opening stages. United responded well though, with Jack O’Connor scoring from a Jackson Wooldridge corner and Shobbrook finishing well from a Finley Stephens pass to give the final score of 5-2 to Genk a more competitive look.
A local derby was next up, with United’s fixture against Exeter City a predictably closely-fought affair.
The yellows pushed hard for the opening goal and created three great chances to go ahead, but unfortunately they couldn’t quite make the breakthrough. In the end, it was The Grecians who ran out 2-0 winners, with a fortuitous double-deflected shot from distance providing the breakthrough with five minutes remaining, before City added a second late on.
Having regrouped from that disappointment, the team claimed their first three points against Irish side St Kevins, with Stephens scoring a superb winner following an assist from Shobbrook.
Although United’s youngsters worked tirelessly throughout their next game against Norwich, City proved to be powerful opponents and claimed victory with an comfortable 4-0 scoreline.
FDS, acting as Aston Villa’s feeder club, were the next test for Torquay.
After falling behind, United levelled things up after Stephens linked up with Shobbrook to allow the latter to score, however there was to be late heartbreak for The Young Gulls, as a late, late winner for FDS ended United’s hopes of qualifying for the next stage.
The final game for our stars of the future may have ended in a 3-1 win for Stevenage, however the Hertfordshire-based team didn’t have it all their own way, with Stephens continuing his fine tournament with another goal to reduce the arrears, before Stevenage rounded off the scoring.
United’s coaches expressed their pride at seeing their side compete against high-quality opposition.
“It’s a huge achievement for our squad to get some points over the two days and we are extremely proud of the players,” said Ian & Shane.
“It was a tremendous effort and learning experience for our players, testing themselves against the best opposition in the country and Europe .
“The players worked tirelessly and have exceeded our expectations, and the future is bright for this group of players.”