ESF, the UK’s largest youth football festival, held their regional finals at Butlins in Bognor Regis over the last weekend where the prize was not only regional winners but the lure of a place in the grand finals, to be held at St Georges Park later in the summer.
Last year’s regional winners (at U12 level), Horsham U13s found themselves in the ‘group of death’ pitted against Hashtag United, Skegness (last year’s national winners) Bognor Regis Town, Impact and Rugby.
Despite putting in a strong performance, Horsham were narrowly edged out 1-0 by Hashtag United in first game but, from then on in, the Hornets grew into the tournament during the group stages with each victory getting better and better.
The semi-final was a nail-biting affair against group 2 winners Impact, with penalties needed to separate the teams and was only settled with H Semark stepping up for the 5th spot kick, with which he calmly sent the ‘keeper the wrong way.
The final, however, was a different affair with Horsham buoyed by their improving form. Hashtag United were once again the opponents but this time, despite a very competent opponent, Horsham ran out comfortable 3-0 winners.
An impressive squad effort was typified by O Vinniecombe, outstanding at centre-back, and G Scott who, despite breaking his collarbone in the semi-final, made it back for the trophy presentation.
Horsham’s current U12s, joint champions in the Mid-Sussex Youth Football League this season, led by Andy Duvergier were also in action at the tournament, making it to the semi-finals where they were defeated 2-0 by the eventual winners. We are extremely proud that the squad picked up the Fair Play award (pictured below).
