Vasco Da Gama U11 Team Compete In Azores
Vasco da Gama Club’s U11 select team just finished taking part in the 13th International U11 Football Tournament of the Azores, which was held from April 18th – 20th.
The tournament, organized by Clube União Micaelense based in Ponta Delgada, Azores, was an exciting display of 7-a-side football from 20 teams personally invited to attend.
Vasco da Gama performed well, placing 9th out of the 20 teams. The team were 3rd in their group stage but ended up winning both games in the elimination stage. Out of a possible 6 games, Vasco won 4.
The Select team to the Azores comprised of: Elias Carpol; Logan Chadwick; Preston Bang; Matthew Troake; Allesio Ferigo; Masaki Kitade; Sami Carolo; Mateus Amaral; Logan Viera; Kennahz Fray; Connor Redcliffe; and Tomas Mello.
The talent of these young players was evident right from the start. Vasco dominated the first half of their opening game against ACF Pauleta – the footballing academy founded by former Portuguese international footballer, Pedro ‘Pauleta’ Resendes.
By half time, the teams were 1-1. In the second half, nerves started to fray and the team was eventually defeated by 3 goals to 1. However, the score-line did not do justice to how well the team played.
Against CD Oliveirenses and SC Lusitânia, Vasco were able to set the pace of both games and beat both teams 3-0. Vasco’s most formidable opponents were FC Porto, and despite a valiant effort, Vasco lost 5 goals to nil. FC Porto is one of Portugal’s most celebrated teams, and their U11 side eventually went on to win the entire tournament.
In the final elimination phase, Vasco had a tighter result against VC Pico da Pedra but still won 2-1. In their final game, the team saw off a challenge from AD Taboeira – Mini-Foot and won 3-0. Throughout these matches, Vasco showed true grit and determination.
Germano Botelho, head coach for the team, expressed how proud he and the coaching staff were of the team, saying, “The boys did a fantastic job during the tournament. The boys experienced football at a level they were not used to but they stepped up and played beyond their normal abilities. Their adaptation to the European style and physicality was awarded with a 9th place finish.
“They held their nerve against teams preparing their youngsters for professional careers. On behalf of the entire coaching and support staff, let me just say how proud we are of the group.”
“Let me also highlight just how much of a cultural experience this was for the boys. They got to visit the Azores, which for many was their first time. They met teams from throughout Portugal, the rest of Europe, Cape Verde and the USA. I trust and hope that they have made friends for life here.”
Coach Joe Carolo added, “The boys had an experience of a lifetime. The hospitality of the Azorean people has been amazing throughout, and hopefully we can participate in future editions of the tournament.”
Richard Ambrosio, Vice President of Vasco da Gama, who was present at the games, thanked everyone involved as follows, “I want to, first, congratulate the team for their performance. Thanks to them and their parents for agreeing to take part and representing the Club.
“I also wanted to thank all our coaching and support staff who helped put together the team, who took care of the young players while in the Azores and who helped shepherd them to this result: Germano Botelho, Joe Carolo, Edward Correia and Dr Sylvanus Nawab. Their care and obvious concern for the youngsters were evident throughout.
“Finally, a big thank you to União Micaelense for organizing the tournament. In particular, thanks to Mr Arsénio Sampaio Furtado, for the personal invitation to Vasco, and to his team for their meticulous attention to detail. From our perspective as a participating team, the tournament was an unparalleled success.”
During their time in the Azores, the team were also received by Mayor of Ponta Delgada at City Hall and at the Ponta Delgada Football Association at their headquarters.
Outside of the football pitch, the Team explored the Azorean capital Ponta Delgada, visited the picturesque Lagoa das Sete Cidades and marveled at boiling fumaroles in the still volcanically active village of Furnas.
Great job Vasco Club!