Players from Deal and Dover line up for a team shot at the Gothia Cup in Sweden

A team of local boys from Deal and Dover represented England with distinction in the under-13s category at the Gothia Cup in Sweden last week.

The Gothia Cup is also known as the World Youth Cup and this year the event attracted the likes of Crystal Palace, Wolves and Doncaster Rovers, as well as Brazilian side Sao Paulo.

The boys, from Betteshanger, Deal Town and Dover Rangers under the name of TDA (Thanet Development Academy), reached the last 16.

There were 32 teams in their age group and the group stages saw TDA play two Swedish teams and FC Prague.

Their dream ended in the knockout stage when they lost 1-0 to Swedish opponents, but organiser of the trip, Dave Halpin, was pleased with their efforts.

The boys won the chance to represent England at the event after winning the Hatters Cup at Luton Town FC earlier this year.

As well as some enjoyable football, the Gothia Cup is all about bringing youngsters together from different cultures and the boys made friendships with children less fortunate than themselves from countries such as Columbia and The Congo.

Lee McGachie, of Betteshanger Welfare Football Club, who accompanied the group, said: "It was a fantastic experience for us.

"The standard of football in the tournament was extremely high and in years to come the boys will look back on their trip with immense pride."

The team would like to thank local sponsors who helped them take advantage of this opportunity – Adamson’s Garage, Dover Lions, The Railway Pub, The Prince Albert, Betteshanger Welfare Scheme, Dover Grammar School, Barrett’s Sports Shop and St Edmund’s School.