Cape Coral, 16 January 2017 - The Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC Youth Academy had their first games of the year playing in the Dimitri Cup. During the first weekend, the U8 through U12 participated in one of the biggest tournaments in Florida. The Dimitri Cup is one of the first tournaments that FGCDL FC puts on the list. With teams from all over Florida, it gives the FGCDL FC Youth Academy a variety of teams and levels they can play against.
The U8 was the youngest team of the academy that participated. The U8 development had a couple of strong opponents. One of the teams they played against was the Brazilian Trainings Academy. It was the first tournament for the young lions. They learned a lot from these games.
The U8E played in the Gold Divsion against some big academy names. After a good game against PSG academy they played against Juventus. During this game, they showed how much they improved over the last half a year. With good combinations and positioning, they had a chance to win the game, but unfortunately they lost.
The U9 knew from the beginning that they had a strong bracket. Still, the team played very well. Every attack was created building up from the back and after multiple combinations they ended up in front of the opponents goal. Despite the hard work the tournament was over for the U9 after three games.
The U11B played three good games in the tournament. With good combinations, good passing, and good positioning, they created several scoring opportunities but were unlucky finishing. Due to this they had three close loss. However, the two goals against the Cyclones showed the improvement of the players and team, with the ball being passed from the back and midfield with multiple passes before the goals were scored.
The U12G team was a combination of U11G players U12G players. The first game of the girls ended in a draw; the second one they lost with 2-0. On Sunday they had to win against the San Carlos Scorpions to get a spot in the semi final. With a 5-0 victory over the Scorpions the girls showed the fans and the coaches what they are capable of. The girs showed some great combinations, one touches, and some amazing goals. Unfortunately in the semi-final they lost against Weston.
Not only the youth academy played their tournament, so did the coaches. After an easy game against the Brazilian Trainings Academy, that they won with 12-3, the coaches faced CCSA. After an exciting game John Teeter scored the 3-1 in the last minute. Before the final the coaches also won with 4-1 against the referees. In the final the FGCDL FC coaches played against the Juventus Academy coaches. The team won with 2-1 clinching the Dimitri Cup for Coaches.
Next weekend the U13B and the U13G play their tournament at the Dimitri Cup and the weekend after, the U16B and the U16G.