(Picture supplied)

ROVERS under-10s reached the final of a big youth festival in Bognor earlier this month.

More than 100 of the club’s minis, representing eight teams across the U-8 to U-12 age groups, travelled to the Butlins tournament, accompanied by 150 parents and supporters. More than 150 teams took part in the biggest youth festival in the south.

Results were mixed across the age groups, but all the Rovers party enjoyed the event and the young players all had an hour’s training with Arsenal soccer school coaches, who were also involved in the tournament.

Richard Le Tocq’s under-10s, one of two teams playing in that age group, achieved the most success, unbeaten all weekend in the seven-a-side games. The team (pictured above) won their group on goal difference, scoring 16 goals and conceding just three.

They held a one-goal lead until late in the final, but conceded a last-minute equaliser and lost the penalty shootout 2-1.

The under-10s B achieved two draws in their matches.

The under-11s struggled in their first experience of 11-a-side on a full pitch, but they won the David Beckham Academy Fair Play award, voted by referees with marks given for players, coaches and spectators.