A young football team sponsored by STYROFOAM-A manufacturer Dow Building Solutions has brought back the winning trophy from this year’s Alandia International Cup tournament.
The Alandia Cup is a junior football tournament held every year on the Finnish island of Aland. The Steve Beeks’ Soccer School - which trains on fields close to Dow Building Solutions’ UK headquarters in Staines - was the only side from the British Isles to be invited.
The team won 4-0 in the final in front of 1,250 spectators at Finnish Premier League team IFK Mariehman's Wiklöf Holding Arena, whilst Caden Genovesi, the team’s centre midfielder, won player of the tournament. They also broke a competition record by winning every single game and not dropping any points, a feat which has never been achieved before.
“The team played some great football and saved their best for the final,” said James Donald, who trains the youngsters alongside fellow head coach Paul Cross. “They were delighted with the tournament victory and we’d like to thank Dow Building Solutions who helped us on our way and made sure we looked the part throughout!”
This year’s squad had a lot to live up to – the team has won on seven previous occasions, the first two under the name Staines Town FC. Fellow winners have included renowned clubs such as HJK Helsinki, Reipas Lahti and Dynamo Moscow.
“Forging stronger links with local communities is very much a part of the Dow ethos, and we felt this group of determined and ambitious local youngsters deserved support from a company right on their doorstep,” said Matt Dyke, Account Manager for Dow Building Solutions who presented the team with the sponsored kit before they left for Finland.
“We couldn’t have been more delighted to see them win and we’re proud to be associated with such ambitious players who share our passion for delivering results.”
The team includes players already selected for the Queen’s Park Rangers, Chelsea and Watford Academy teams. Some youngsters represent the Brent District Schools’ team and others have the potential to be ‘scouted’ for professional football clubs.
Anyone interested in joining Steve Beeks’ Soccer School can contact either stevesbass@gmail.com or JDonald1414@gmail.com .
