A Hatch End-based Sunday League team were lucky enough to walk in the footsteps of Premier League legends when enjoying a trip to the AXA Training Centre in Liverpool.
On Saturday, October 19, a 45-person team of parents, siblings, and proud manager James Nicholas accompanied Parkfield Youth FC’s (PYFC) U8 team on the trip up north. Invited by the dad of one of PYFC’s players – who happens to be one of Liverpool FC’s doctors – the young players faced Liverpool Academy’s U8 teams in a mini football tournament.
Speaking to Pinnernews, James said: “They gave us our own changing rooms and made the boys feel really special. It was fantastic!
“The boys had been talking about it for weeks and they were really excited. You walk through these big gates and there are Liverpool badges everywhere, and footballs and trophies. That’s when it really hit them!”
The tournament involved five matches between the Hatch End side and the home team, with James’ 10-man squad able to rotate and play equal amounts of time. The boys were even lucky enough to spot a famous face, as first-team defender Andy Robertson MBE was in attendance watching his son play for the home side.
In a day that could not be written more perfectly, the two teams headed into the fifth match with two wins each under their belts. But it was PYFC who secured the final win, claiming their bragging rights to top off a momentous trip.
James continued: “To get the opportunity to play there is huge! I started with these boys last year as U7s where I was explaining what a defender was. And now, 18 months later, they’re going into school on Monday saying they’ve beaten Liverpool.
“It’s all about team bonding, and getting the experience that motivates them to do more.”
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