Broadway United Under 10's Tour Devon
Head coach Oliver Schofield took 16 players and their families on their first football tour to Devon last weekend to celebrate a fine season in the Under 10's Ambassador Pool A league, where they produced brilliant displays and worked hard all season.
The Tour began in high spirits with the players taking part in a football quiz on the Friday night, with those on the losing team made to wear a pink tutu at football the following morning, much to the amusement of everyone! The boys took part in a cycle of mini matches on the Saturday morning against teams Devon Express and Bovey Tracey and competed well.
On the Sunday morning, the boys entered The Plymouth Argyle Trust 6 a-side tournament under two separate teams, split to be of equal standard and balance; The Broadway Lions and The Broadway Dragons. Both Broadway teams put in a terrific display on the day as The Lions impressively made it to the quarter finals, where they only just fell short, whilst the Dragons were on the cusp of making the final before they were cruelly denied on penalties in the semis. The tournament was an overwhelming success with over 2,000 people in attendance, made up of the players, coaches and parents. All the lads can be proud of performing well in Devon's biggest youth football cup tournament.
On top of the football, there were also plenty of other tour games and fun team building to be had all weekend. The boys enjoyed time at the beach, games of cricket and rugby, went swimming and bowled. The boys even had a surprise up their sleeves for their manager when, on the Saturday night, they all went out wearing masks with his face printed on them!
The Devon Tour was also a time for Broadway's end of season awards. Most improved player award went to Cameron Perry who grew in confidence as a top goalkeeper and became an important player for the team. The Players' player was awarded to Mackenzie Russell, who had a terrific campaign captaining the side and proved to be the focal point of most of Broadway's attacking play. Schofield's pick for Manager's player went to Ollie Medley, a truly remarkable player who banged in goals all season for fun, and even more remarkably plying his trade a year above his age group.
The boys played great football all weekend and were proud ambassadors for the Broadway Football Club. All the players received a personalised Broadway boot bag as reward for their outstanding efforts all season. Coach Schofield had this to say of his team, "I couldn't be more pleased with how they've all performed and enjoyed this season. Team spirit is now on a high for next season as we enter our first competitive season of football".
Special praise must be reserved for Oliver Schofield who organised the entire trip for his team. He has displayed enormous dedication to coaching the boys and is a credit to the Broadway community. Acknowledgement must also go to Russells Fish & Chips of Broadway, whose generous sponsorship of the under 10's team helps towards providing the kits and other necessary equipment means the youth players have the best facilities to aid their football development.
