Youngsters secure memorable title with final win over Ajax at St George's Park
Bolton Wanderers’ under-11 side can lay claim to being champions of Europe, after winning the recent Premier League European Under-11 tournament at St George’s Park.
The youngsters, led by coaches Neil Pointon, Tommy Harrison and Chris Jeques, won the 12-team competition over the course of the weekend, pipping Ajax on penalties in a dramatic final.
Wanderers qualified for the semi-final stage after finishing second behind Barcelona in a group that also containing Liverpool, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton.
As a result the Whites progressed to the semi-final where they defeat Newcastle United 3-1, before then staging a remarkable comeback from two goals down in the final to draw 4-4 with Ajax in normal time and eventually winning on penalties.
“All of the players played their part in getting the side to the final,” coach Pointon said. “At the end of the day we thoroughly deserved to win the tournament.
“To see the lads’ reactions at the end of the final was great. After working hard for so long it was great to see the celebrations.”