Baggies win final in dramatic penalty shootout
ALBION Under-14s were crowned champions of Denmark’s Norhalne Cup after beating host club Aab Aalborg in a dramatic penalty shootout earlier this month.
The Baggies overcame TIPS of Finland and Swedish outfits Alvsjo, Halmstad and Helsingborgs en route to the final - which was played in front of over 700 spectators.
The youngsters netted 30 goals without reply during the tournament – with Dan Meredith remaining cool to slot home the decisive spot-kick.
And youth development coach Mike Scott was delighted with the team's performance in Scandinavia.
"These tournaments are a great opportunity to learn more about our players," said Scott.
"It gives them various challenges against different opposition from around the world.
“I’m really pleased with the application the boys have shown in this tournament.
“They played some fantastic football and scored some excellent goals in the group stages.
“A number of coaches and supporters from opposing teams commented on the attitude and quality of our players.
“They made us really proud.
“They adopted a philosophy and a culture that we encourage throughout our academy.
“To win a tournament without conceding a single goal is credit to the work our goalkeeping coaches Jack Stern and Mark Naylor who put in a lot of work with our young keepers.
“I’d also like to thank Under-14’s coach Jamie Smith for all his help throughout the tournament.
“The way he managed the lads was brilliant.”