Our new grassroots football team secured silverware in their first tournament
A brand new grassroots football team has lifted silverware in its very first tournament.
The newly formed South Tyneside FC Under 7s - Milan have started on the front foot with their first silverware win at the Rob Shaw Riverside Tournament, in Middlesbrough on Saturday, February 28.
Despite having never played together before this season and with a completely new coaching set-up, the team made up of six and seven-year-old boys went on to win their first ever tournament.
The success was against a backdrop of teamwork from the team after player Ethan Johnson suffered a broken arm in the final and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.


A spokesperson for South Tyneside FC Under 7s - Milan said: “The boys battled through the remainder of the match being 3-0 down with determination and heart, they scored three goals to take it to penalties and going on to win to secure the Rob Shaw Riverside Tournament title.
“Parents rallied together, supporting Ethan’s family while cheering the team on.
“After lifting the trophy, the team ensured Ethan was part of the celebration.
“The cup was taken straight to the hospital so he could share in the moment, and it is now visiting him at home as he recovers.
“For a group of children who had never played alongside one another before, their success speaks volumes about the positive impact grassroots sport can have within the community.”
South Tyneside FC Under 7s - Milan is led by volunteer coaches Jak Smith, Matt Johnson and Kris Kirton - with the full squad as follows:
- Ethan Johnson.
- Josh Owens.
- Theo Kirton.
- Jaiden Smith.
- Ralph Foster.
- Ollie Readman.
- Cadmus Baxter.


Despite being a new team, South Tyneside FC Under 7s - Milan has seen backing from local businesses such as House of Barbers and LK Coaching.
You can find out more about South Tyneside FC Under 7s - Milan by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588643811296.
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