07:45 on Saturday 13th July, and the day started with the tough task of putting together a gazebo to house the MILAN team at the Willen World Cup tournament. Gazebo up, players arriving, and the fixtures released, MILAN found themselves playing in the opening fixture at 9am.

18 teams battled it out in the group stages in the hope of being able to lift the cup, as Willen world cup winners! Milan battled hard during the group stages keeping 6 clean sheets out of 9 group games, finishing second overall. James in goal made his first appearance for MILAN pulling off some outstanding saves, his first save coming from a one on one with James rushing out from the goal line to block and save a shot on target.

During the whole day James was vocal supporting his team from the goal and encouraged the team forward during attacks.

The Whole MILAN team performed outstanding during the day. George scored some brilliant goals from Attack. A particular favourite came against SYL Blacks. George moved with speed towards the defenders, dribbling and holding off various challenges before shooting from the right side into the far-left corner!

Timmy, Harley and Harrison played outstanding together on the wings, closing the space in the middle and moving out wide to offer passing opportunities at the correct times. All found themselves on the score sheet during the day, finishing well and working hard to make important tackles.

Sepo and Alex were strong in both defence and attack during the day. The strong accurate passes, movement off the ball and hunger to win the ball became vital throughout the tournament.

Charlie and Maddox in defence remained strong, made many important blocks just as shots were about to be made and drove the ball forwards to release those in attack with some great through passes.

The knockouts followed with a Quarter Final win against HEJ Athletic. A Semi Final win against New Bradwell! The final two teams had now been decided putting Linslade Galaxy MILAN up against WILLEN.

The Final kicked off at 5PM. MILAN held a team talk, discussed important tactics and from the whistle showed real hunger to win the ball. MILAN dominated the match and held positions really well throughout, putting a stop to those players looking to dribble the ball towards Milan’s goal at speed. Through pure determination, hard work and as a team MILAN found themselves in a great position, scoring an outstanding team worked goal and going 1-0 up in the Final with 3 minutes remaining!

Milan dug deep, won every challenge with the final whistle leading to loud cheers and team celebrations! LINSLADE GALAXY MILAN U9s, WILLEN WORLD CUP WINNERS 2024 !!