This year was the 5th year of our 5-a-side tournament and for the first time we had to play in GOALS at Beckenham North as our spiritual home Elmers End was unavailable. Played on the 21st of July, the tournament attracted a small field, yet it was fiercely competitive particularly when it got to the semi-finals which featured “Fat Boys” (which incidentally belied their athleticism!) vs “Joga Bonito” and “International FC” vs “Claire FC”.
We should have been on our guard when International FC turned up with just 5 players, no substitutes, immaculately attired and with a manager in tow! Their brand of football was entertaining with a dash of panache, a sparkling of assertiveness and stewed in intuition and guile. An outstanding feature was their on-field communication. Well versed in footballology (is this a word?) anyway…. drilled under the ever watchful eyes of the Sergeant Major Terry Riley! Indeed the spectacle was as refreshing as their demeanour and attitude.
This outfit, who hails from the Woolwich area of South East London, comfortably walked away with the £300 prize on offer following a resounding victory over the surprise finalists Fatboys, who were presented with individual medals. International FC’s name will now join other winners on the trophy. They said they are very keen to return next year to defend their title! Given their display, no one will bet against them doing just that! See Media for additional photos from this event.
Ben
