Young footballers join anniversary tournament

10:17am Friday 25th July 2008

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A DOUBLE anniversary will be a feature of this year’s Roberts Cup international soccer tournament in Ledbury’s twin town of Stromstad in Sweden.

It is the tenth anniversary of the contest, and in that time the Ledbury Swifts under-16s have lifted the cup twice and reached the final seven times.

The hosting Stromstad side will take to the field in the year that they are celebrating their 100th anniversary, and are likely to pose a strong challenge to rival teams.

The Swifts were left the club house by coach at Tuesday (July 22) for a 5am check-in at Gatwick airport and a 6am flight.

The team will arrive back at Ledbury’s Market House at around 11pm on Monday, July 28.

Traditionally, large number of Ledbury people gather to welcome the side back home.

But participation in the contest never comes cheap.

A strong Euro means that the cost of sending 18 young footballers and six adults has risen, from £4,000 to around £6,000.

Luckily, the present under-16s side has been fund-raising since the present members were just nine, in anticipation of taking part in the Roberts Cup tournament.

Much of the money has been raised through draws held after matches.

Manager Ronnie Davies said that, aside from annually strong sides such as IFK Gothenburg, there were four extra teams to play this year.

But he said his side had played particularly well last season, despite a number of injuries, and he was hopeful of a solid performance.

He said: “I went last year, to get a flavour, and I’m really looking forward to it.

“It’s a cracking tournament.”