The English and Welsh national teams may not have qualified for Euro 2008, but Kilgetty AFC have returned from their own European adventure as runners-up. Kilgetty AFC under 12s took part in the international tournament near Antwerp in Belgium, supported by their main under 12 sponsor, Folly Farm. The tournament was run for all age groups, under eight to under 17, girls under 15 and under 17, and men's open and women's open categories. Hundreds of teams attended from all over the globe, even from as far away as Tongo. Chris Griffiths, football coach at Kilgetty AFC, was hugely impressed with the organisation of the tournament. "It was great to play in such wonderful settings in some fantastic stadiums," he said. "The trip to Belgium was hugely enjoyable for the players and the fact we performed so well was the icing on the cake." Run on a similar basis to the Champions League, with two group stages, then a direct knock out stage, Kilgetty AFC were initially grouped with teams from Romania, Belgium, and Holland, and demonstrated excellent prowess to top the group. Chris enthused: "With the top two teams going into a cup knockout, we then found ourselves grouped in the second phase with teams from Belgium, including the tournament's home club, Wolvdonk, who had huge support from the crowds. But we were again victorious and along with the Dutch progressed to the next phase. "With an excellent win over a very strong Dutch club development squad, we found ourselves in the final to pit our wits against a very well organised French team. After a tough fought game, we ran in a close second which is a fantastic achievement for a small club from rural Wales. Well done to the whole team." Chris Ebsworth, managing director of Folly Farm, as the main sponsors of the under 12 Kilgetty AFC team, was keen to congratulate the players:. "What an achievement for our local club to return with a fantastic second place against such strong competition," he said. "I'd like to say a big well done to all the players and a big thank you to Chris Griffiths and the rest of the organisers for giving the team such a wonderful experience." Folly Farm will be welcoming the under 12s to the attraction later in the year to celebrate their success. If any clubs would like information on the 2009 Belgium tournament, please contact Chris Griffiths, of Kilgetty AFC, on 07737 360963.
