U17s Return From Successful Trip To France

A young Hibs academy side returned to Edinburgh after a successful week representing the Club at EMSGO International U17 Tournament in Le Harve, France.

Led by Academy Coach, Guillaume Beuzelin, the wee Hibees did the Club proud – finishing third in the competition and winning the Fair Play Award for their good discipline and exemplary attitude during the tournament.

Due to exam timetables and First Team commitments, ‘Boozy’ assembled a young squad for the U17 competition, with Dean Cleland, Joseph McGrath and Owen Calder the three most senior names among the travelling squad.

The rest of the squad was a mixture of U16s and U15 youngsters who rose to the occasion, performing admirably during the week at the Stade Maurice Baquet.

The Hibees kicked off the competition with a 1-0 win over French side Havre AC with Dean Cleland grabbing the only goal of the game.

A 1-1 draw with American outfit West Florida Flames followed before beating hosts ESMGO 3-0 in our final group game.

That result meant we topped the group, setting up a semi-final with Spanish side, FC Cadix. In what was an incredibly tight contest, the match went down to the wire finishing 0-0 in normal time before the Spanish team edged it on penalties.

Beuzelin’s side regrouped themselves for the third/fourth place play-off where they met West Florida Flames again. The Young Hibees finished the tournament in style, winning 3-0, with Dean Cleland grabbing a brace to finish top goal scorer of the tournament with five goals.

The Hibees were presented with their bronze medals and the Fair Play Award at the end of the competition for their exemplary behaviour across the weekend!

Well done to everyone involved!