The Aberdeen FC Youth Academy have triumphed at a major tournament in Europe.

The Aberdeen FC side has won the prestigious U14 BOAL International Tournament in the Netherlands which welcomed many of Europe’s top academies and clubs from across the globe from Friday 18th August to Sunday 20th.

Despite a long day of travelling, the young Dons started the tournament on the Friday evening with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea and then a hard-fought 2-1 victory over a strong Bayer Leverkusen side. On Saturday they recorded impressive victories over Brondby IF (1-0), PSV (1-0) a 1-1 draw with Sparta as well as a narrow 2-1 defeat against Brazilian side EC Laranja Mecanica.

Sunday saw the final group game, where Aberdeen needed to beat Ado Den Haag to progress, and they did that in style, winning 5-1. They then eliminated Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals, winning 1-0 before defeating MLS side Atlanta United on penalties in the final to be crowned champions.

The team were coached by Liam McGarry and Scott Duncan, along with goalkeeping coach Matthew Mackie. They were supported by physio Mark Muir and Academy Director Gavin Levey who was understandably very proud of what he had witnessed.

“This is one of the proudest moments for our youth academy.

“We have to earn the right to be invited to some of the best tournaments in Europe and to win this is an absolute credit to all the players, families and staff at Aberdeen Youth Academy.”

Gavin added “We have been contending for the last few years and to win one on this scale should not be underestimated.

“When you look at the opposition we face overseas, we are likely to always be consider as an underdog in most fixtures.

“Our academy teams develop a belief and desire to perform at this level and we have truly earned this moment which these young lads from the north-east will never forget.”

Congratulations to all our young players involved, as well as the coaching staff. Thank you also to the parents who travelled over to the tournament and gave such support.