More than 30 children journeyed to the Netherlands to participate in an international football tournament.

Eastern Daily Press: Beccles Town FC competed in an international tournament for the 10th time. Picture: Courtesy of Catherine SampsonBeccles Town FC competed in an international tournament for the 10th time. Picture: Courtesy of Catherine Sampson (Image: Archant)

Having donned their shooting boots, 31 youngsters from Beccles Town Football Club departed for the town of Hoevelaken on Thursday, May 10, maintaining a tradition that began in 1991 and has seen lifelong friendships develop.

Held every three years, the event saw players and their families hosted by Dutch families, while a trio of Beccles teams took on sides from Belgium, Germany and Holland.

Eastern Daily Press: The tournament features teams from the UK, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Courtesy of Catherine SampsonThe tournament features teams from the UK, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Courtesy of Catherine Sampson (Image: Archant)

The U11 boys began brightly with a 4-0 win over Germany before going on to finish 2nd, while the U13 boys finished 3rd having faced stern competition.

History was made as a girls team, the U13s, competed in the tournament for the first time. They went unbeaten in their league games before losing 1-0 in the final.

Chairman David Leech said: “I’m over the moon with the quality of football but, more importantly, this is about the fantastic memories and friendships. The children represented the club, town and country brilliantly.”