1066 Specials win

Fresh from triumph at the Bexhill Observer Achiever Awards, where they won the sports team of the year category, the youngsters entered a competition at the David Beckham Academy in Greenwich.

The under-16's played against teams including Bournemouth, Feltham Bees, Maidstone Raiders, Invicta Valiants, and Harvester.

"They won" said spokesman Harold Lawrence.

"It was the first tournament they have ever won, although they came close before - they were runners-up in the Disability World Cup in July, and that was their best result before."

Harold has been unwell and did not go to the tournament on Sunday, but heard about it immediately from coach Jonathan Haddock.

"He phoned me up, he was absolutely - in football parlance - over the moon. He was very excited for the kids."

Harold asked to speak to the youngsters but realised they were far too busy celebrating.

"I could hear them all cheering and shouting in the background that they had won.

"It was a big thing for them.

"Jonathan needs a lot of credit for it really, because he has done a lot of work, along with Colin Taylor.

"I am convinced the team will now go on and do great things."

The under-16's team is - Nicholas Costello, Grant Winborn, Tristan Curtis, Lara Curtis, Simon Curtis, Lewis Willard, Jamie Weir, and Danielle Hale.