Tenby Under 16s recently returned from a very successful tour to Aberystwyth. They played in the Wales International Soccer Tournament based at Aberystwyth, gaining a very creditable fourth place against good quality opposition whose players were drawn from a higher age group.
In their first game they met Wrexham youth. They went 4-0 down by half-time, but in the second they fought back well, with Sam Christopher pulling their first goal back. Mikey Boswell slotted home a penalty after being brought down in the box and Brett Evans added a third. A last minute penalty appeal for a foul on Sam Christopher fell on deaf ears, but Tenby were delighted with their comeback. Man-of-thematch was Brett Evans. Tenby played their second game that evening against a strong American side from San Antonio, Texas. This was a cracking game, with end to end action. Tenby ran out 5-4 winners, with goals from Mikey Boswell (2), Adam Johns, Billy Vaughan and Aaron Goldsmith. Man-of-the-match was again Brett Evans.
The match next day was against Knocklong FC from Ireland. Despite playing some good football, Tenby were beaten by the strength and determination of the Irish boys, eventually losing 2-0. Man-of-the- match was Aaron Goldsmith.
Wednesday saw Tenby play again against the TNS Academy side. TNS scored early on, before Luke Dedman equalised with a fantastic long range shot. Although they were beaten 6-1, Tenby played some of their better football in this game and were praised by the TNS coaches for the attitude and determination. Man-of-the-match was 'keeper Richard Thomas, who pulled off some amazing saves.
Wednesday evening saw Tenby beat FC Belem 6-4, who, despite their name, were a local side. Aaron Goldsmith opened the scoring for Tenby with a long range shot. Mikey Boswell scored twice, James Howes hit the net with a cross shot, Adam Johns and Luke Dedman both added vital goals. Men-of-the-match weree Mikey Boswell and Billy Vaughan.
Thursday's match was against Ceredigion College and, despite being all over the side, Tenby found it hard to score. The final result was 2-2, with Sam Christopher scoring a final header from a Dedman cross and Adam Johns adding the equaliser.
These results meant that Tenby played in the third and fourth place play-off in the cup competition on the final day.
This match was against Wrexham again, but this time Wrexham showed their superiority and the Tenby side were flagging after a gruelling schedule of six matches played over four days. Wrexham scored first, Sam Christopher equalised, but Tenby were 6-1 down at half-time. Mikey Boswell scored a consolation goal after some neat skills by Billy Vaughan on the right. The final score was 10-2 to Wrexham, who looked a powerful outfit. Man-of- the-match was Billy Vaughan.
All the Tenby squad thoroughly enjoyed their experience of the tournament, on and off the field, and interacted well with players from all over the world.
Squad: Richard Thomas, Richard Bridges, Brett Evans, Kurt Walsh, Andrew Davies, Aaron Goldsmith, James Howes, Billy Vaughan, Adam Johns, Josh Bevan, Sam Christopher, Mikey Boswell, Michael Halligan, Scott Helmich, Luke Dedman.
The squad would like to thank all their sponsors and those who made the tour possible.