A CROSFIELDS side has returned from a European competition as champions.

Crosfields under nines took 25 players competing across three sides to the tournament near Rotterdam in the Netherlands.

Despite the shock of upsizing from a size three ball and third of a pitch guidelines used in England, to a size five and half pitch in the Netherlands, the Crosfields ‘Argentina’ team went on to win the trophy.

They did so without conceding a goal, with Sam Ellis, Joe Murphy, Finn O’Garra and Kieran Virdi all keeping clean sheets, while Theo Davies finished as top scorer.

The Crosfields ‘Chile’ team came away with the prestigious Fair Play trophy for their attitude and sporting behaviour, while the Crosfields ‘Brazil’ side were unlucky to lose all three games by a single goal.

“It was a fantastic experience, which Crosfields hope to repeat next year with four teams,” said head of the under nines Mark Ellis.

“Excitement amongst the boys and their parents and grandparents was high as the teams departed from Hull on the overnight boat to Rotterdam, and despite the late night, and lack of sleep, all three teams did exceptionally well in the heat and sunshine.

“The hosts were excellent as they transported the travelling party to and from the ferry and looked after them throughout the day.”