Carlisle United U-12s taste success in international tournament

It may have been a disastrous season for Carlisle United's senior side but their academy sides continue to show that there is plenty of hope for the future.

Carlisle United under-12s recently attended a two-day tournament hosted by Newcastle United and were crowned Plate champions.

There were eight teams in total, with Newcastle United, Lech Poznan, Vitesse Arnhem, Crewe, Motherwell, Hearts and Stoke City also taking part.

Day one saw each team playing a round-robin format with a mixture of wins, draws and defeats for the young Blues.

This experience proved to be an invaluable learning experience that would go on to pay dividends the following day.

Day two saw the tournament split into two groups of four. Carlisle's under-12s went up against Vitesse Arnhem, Motherwell and Hearts.

They finished second in the small group and then went on to beat the Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem 4-2 in the final to be crowned Plate Winners.

Carlisle United said: "A fantastic experience was had by all players, parents and staff creating memories that will stay with them forever. A big thank you must go to Newcastle United for hosting such a well organised tournament and GB Sports for inviting us to take part."

Speaking after the event, academy head of coaching Chris Blake said: "It was a very enjoyable weekend of high quality football. Playing against different teams of excellent quality, who posed very different challenges each game.

“The tournament was tough and it was a pleasure to watch the players and coaches rise to the challenge.

“The players, coaches and parents created a positive and supportive environment and were a credit to the football club.”

Carlisle United will be hoping that this under-12 side can produce talents similar to Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford in the future, with both Premier League stars earning call-ups to the England side in recent months having initially progressed through the Blues' academy.

With Rory Delap and Matt Jansen also featuring on that star-studded list of Carlisle United academy talents to feature in the Premier League, these youngsters will be setting their sights high.