FC Groningen has shown its quality by winning the 2016 edition of the Rabobank Tournament U13 in Lunteren. In their first appearance, they beat Bohemians Prague in the final (2-0). PEC Zwolle got the third place, by beating defending champion ADO den Haag in the consolation final.
The tournament, for players aged 11 to 13, was held for the 22nd time. Apart from professional football organizations like PEC Zwolle, ADO Den Haag and Volendam, a range of clubs from Germany, Belgium, Romania and the Czech Republic made their appearance.
Hosts VV Lunteren managed to get to the 15th place by beating Romanian Olimpia Aiud FC, and performed very well in their own Tournament, nabbing the sportsmanship award along the way. Emircan Gulge (FC Groningen) won the tournament’s MVP award, while Thijmen Renkel (PEC Zwolle) took home the prize for Best Goalkeeper.
By Boy Imminck, Ede Stad.