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International experience for Colts teams

7/ 8/2008

BRIDGE Colts entertained overseas opposition at their base in Bamford when they faced Hamrun Spartans and Pieta Hotspurs from Malta.

The teams from Malta were in the country to take part in the Manchester Cup which was organised by Team Tours Direct with whom Bridge Colts have a strong partnership.

Hamrun and Pieta brought along their squads of varying ages.

Bridge Colts, who are a recognised FA Charter Development Standard Club, played their nines to 14s age groups in eight matches against the Maltese sides.

Bridge, who have many players from Middleton in their teams, unfortunately didn’t manage to win a game, but the step up in opposition was a fantastic experience and a learning curve for the teams said club secretary Barry Woodburn.

He added: "No team came off despondent or deflated, and none were heavily defeated or embarrassed.

"They came off buoyant that they had just played a team from Europe, and all wanted to know more about them.

"It was a great opportunity for the players, and a chance for Bridge Colts to form a friendship with both Maltese clubs."

Bridge were also involved in the European Learning Disability Championships for which they provided player escorts and ball boys and girls for the match between Portugal and Sweden.

The game was held at Springhill, Rochdale, with Portugal running out 4-1 winners.

Bridge Colts plan to develop a disability football section at the club within the next few years, in association with the FA and local schools in the RMBC area.