Year 6 - Seven Go to Devon - Jubilee Weekend

Back in the depths of winter, Coach Wistow suggested a tournament trip to the sunny North Devon coast. The Bideford and Appledore Blues 6-a-side tournament was scheduled for the Jubilee weekend at their idyllically located ground next to the Westward Ho! dunes. A weekend of camping, surfing and footy under a baking June sun looked irresistible.

Come Saturday evening, in a wind and rain swept field outside Ilfracombe, the resolve of some of the brave campers was wavering, but surely it would clear up for the tournament on Sunday? “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” is what the top coaches say. So with Wenger-ian precision the seven strong Y6 squad (Danny, Harri, Max, Archie, Sam L, Owen, Jack C) were put through a rigorous training programme consisting of:- staying up late chatting in a campervan, (for some) a morning’s bodyboarding at Woolacombe, a large and rushed pub lunch, then a dash to the tournament so that we arrived late and had to re-arrange our opening fixture.

The friendly hosts were delighted to see us and play commenced, with strong winds and driving rain off the Atlantic forcing most spectators to huddle under the clubhouse eaves. The Foxes, still digesting their crisps, cheese and carvery leftovers, got off to a sluggish start and conceded an early goal in their first game. Once they had grasped the intricate tournament rules (including roll-ins instead of corners, throws or goal kicks), they settled down and Danny was put through to strike a fine equaliser. After that opening draw, a 2-0 win followed in the next game, the highlight being a beautiful long diagonal ball finished by Jack from the left side. The Foxes faced one of the host club’s teams in the group decider. The game was goalless with 2 minutes to go, when a blocked free kick rolled to Owen some 15 (or possibly 50) yards out to win it with a monstrous left foot drive into the bottom corner.

The Foxes cruised through their semi-final, winning 2-0 with 2 more goals from an inspired Danny. Having knocked out all the local teams, the final was contested by the Foxes and the other “tourist” team – the formidable FC Highnam from Gloucestershire, league and cup champions in their home county. In driving rain which made Rockleaze 2011 seem like Ibiza, it was a game too far for the brave Bristolians, and after losing an early goal and a questionable penalty for a “goalie out of his box” rule infringement, it eventually finished 0-3. Runners-up shields were handed out in the warmth of the clubhouse, and all the boys deserved their hearty applause for a magnificent effort.

Where they led, others will follow. Apart from the weather, this was a cracking trip and tournament, and highly recommended to all Foxes years (the tournament has multiple age categories) who fancy a seaside, surfing and soccer camping trip next “summer”.