July 2024 -International Football Tournament in Muelheim

Tuesday 9th Jul 2024

To coincide with this years European Football Championships our twin town of Muelheim are organising a week long Youth Conference from 9th to 16th July. This will include a 3 day football tournament.Participants will be 15/16 years old and Darlington RA Juniors will represent our town. The basic idea is to give young people the opportunity to experience community, regardless of their origin, religion or financial situation, and to gain experience that will strengthen them in their personal development in the long term. Playing football together should serve as a unifying medium for common values such as fair play, tolerance, team spirit and commitment. The youth meeting will take place in Mülheim and a total of 15 boys from 8 countries will participate, accompanied by 3 adult coaches. They will sleep in a "Tent City" setup in the football stadium equipped with large tents and camp beds. There will be around the clock helpers so that participants will always have someone to talk to. Consumption of alcohol and cigarettes is prohibited for all young people. Participants are insured by the Organiser for health, accident and liability. although accommodation and meals will be provided by the City of Mülheim an der Ruhr, Darlington RA Juniors will have to raise the costs of travel and incidental expenses. Our Twinning Association have donated £500 towards these costs and hopefully others in our town will offer contributions which will help give these young people a fantastic experience to broaden their outlook on life. If you are able to contribute please contact any of those below. [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Today the 9th July the team left Newcastle airport travelling to Mülheim. We will keep you updated on their progress.

Martin Williamson writes;

In a display of resilience, skill, and sportsmsnship, the Darlington RA under 15 Boys Team have returned victorious from the prestegious Twin town Tournament, held over the past week in our twin Mülheim an der Ruhr, Germany. The team, accompanied by 3 dedicated coaches, shared tents and cameraderie with a squad of 14 year old players, and their hard work culminated in an unforgettable triumph.

From the moment they arrived the team was greeted with warmth and hospitality, creating a foundation for a week of intense competition and cultural exchange. The tournament featured five teams from Finland, Ukraine, Germany, Mülheim and Darlington RA. Over 2 days of fierce play each team competed for a place in the semi-finals and final.

Darlington RA's journey through the tournament was nothing short of extraordinary. They played a total of six matches, winning all of them with a remarkable tally of 20 goals scored and none conceded. The Team's flawless performance was broadcast live, drawing an impressive audience of over 6000 viewers worldwide, who witnessed the team's outstanding achievement as they clinched the trophy.

Beyond the pitch the hosts organised a series of engaging activities for the players. These included visits to aquaparks, stadium tours, explorations of historical sites, sports parks and discos. The event also featured large screens displaying the semi-finals and final of the Euro Championships, further enriching the cultural exchange and bonding experience among the international participants.

The true highlight of the event was the seamless blending of diverse nationalities, fostering friendships and understanding that transended football. The Darlington RA Boys while exceptional on the field, also shone off it, showcasing immaculate behaviour and representing their country and town with pride.

Reflecting on the week, the coaches expressed deep pride in their team's conduct and achievements. They are an excellent team of footballers, but more importantly they are an outstanding group of lads. Their behaviour over the past week was exemplary. They have been a credit to their country, their town, and to Darlington RA.

Darlington's success in the Twin Town Tournament stands as a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the unifying power of football. Congratulations to the team on their remarkable victory and for being stellar ambassadors of the sport and their community. Well done Lads!

TEAM:  Alva Williamson  Apo Bakan  Theo Clack  Ben Williams  James Burkin Watson  Rohan Elder  Will Barker  Kai Martin  Callum Middleton  Luca Barrett  Reece Ebdon  Martin Lowcock  Joe English  Leon Haymer.

COACHES:  Martin Williamson  Mark Ebdon  Chris Barrett.

 

 


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