North Berwick footballers lift cup on Netherlands trip

Fifteen members of North Berwick Football Club’s under-13s team travelled to Gramsbergen, near the border of the Netherlands and Germany, over the Easter break for the Holland Easter Open.

The tournament, which featured more than 100 teams, got off to an eventful start when North Berwick’s goalkeeper Barney Clark dislocated a shoulder in the warm-up.

Martin Brown, chairman of the club and head coach for the 2011s side, said: “Poor Barney. He got injured in the warm-up when we were waiting to play our first game.

“It was literally the last thing we were going to do and he dived for a ball and that was it.

“He landed awkwardly and it turned out he had dislocated his shoulder, unfortunately.

“We then had to take the boys away and get focused on the game while two of the coaches, plus the first aid people, helped Barney and got him to hospital.

“The boys were a bit shellshocked to see that happen to a friend.”

North Berwick FC U13s Holland Easter Cup winners

Two outfield players then shared the role of goalkeeper during the tournament, which was split into different age groups and locations.

North Berwick came through the group phase undefeated and saved their best for the final, where they were cheered on by their injured goalkeeper.

Goals from Charlie Hardie, Josh Spink and Jamie Snedden saw them overcome local opposition VV Hoogeveen 3-0 to take home the trophy.

Brown said: “They had a great time, a fantastic time.

“We were staying in a holiday park and it was great bunking with their team-mates and friends. They were in and out of the swimming pool, rope climbing courses, and had lots of fun.

“They loved the opportunity to play in a competitive tournament, which they do not get a lot of in Scotland until high school.

“All thoroughly enjoyed it and came home knackered but it was a great experience for them.

“There were no other Scottish teams in the group and they felt like they were representing Scotland.”