Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery back from Wales

Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery once again participated in the Welsh International Super Cup held during the last week of July 2011 in Cardiff. This was the fourth time that the Hamrun nursery participated in this tournament, organised by Team Tours Direct. Thirteen boys from the 1999 and 2000 categories participated in the tournament. The boys were accompanied by 3 officials and 20 parents and relatives. The travelling kit was sponsored by Alfsons Enterprises.

The group had the opportunity to play against stiff opposition, particularly against the academy of Cardiff (whose main team missed out promotion to the Barclays Premier League in the Championship play-offs last May) and the Blackpool academy (whose main team played in the Barclays Premier League last season).

Hamrun Spartans placed second in the first group stage, registering 2 wins (3-0 against Aber Wanderers and 7-1 against Georgetown BGC) and a 6-1 defeat against a strong Cardiff side. In the second group stage, they faced Maltese sides Zebbug (winning 3-0) and Melita (winning 4-1). In the last game of this group stage, they managed to win a difficult match 1-0 against Blackpool. This result was perhaps the highlight of the week for the Hamrun team.

In other matches later on during the week, the Hamrun boys managed to win again against Melita 1-0, however Blackpool managed to get revenge over the boys in red and black after winning the last match 2-0. In total, Hamrun Spartans managed to win 6 out of 8 matches played.
The Welsh tour was another positive experience for the boys especially with the high level of play shown by all teams. The tournament is renowned for hosting a number of young players who later became football stars in the names of Michael Owen, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard and Andriy Shevchenko. More information and photos can be obtained from the nursery website, www.hamrunnursery.com.