Sunderland under-14s lifted the Premier League International Tournament crown on Sunday after defeating Chelsea on penalties.
The Black Cats roared to the final after defeating Ajax, Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and West Bromwich Albion.
Stuart Brightwell’s side then trailed Chelsea in the final after conceding only their second goal of the tournament. However, the Black Cats clawed themselves back level before dispatching the Blues 4-2 on penalties to be crowned winners.
Here, Sam Lightle speaks with under-14s coach Brightwell about his side’s achievement….
Can you put into words just what it means to lift this international title?
SB: “It’s an incredible feeling to win such a big tournament. I’m delighted and proud as a coach but so proud of the players. For them, it is a massive achievement and it puts them down as the best under-14s team in the country.”
What impressed you most about the lads over the weekend?
SB: “I was most impressed with their application out of possession because we limited so many top quality teams and individual players to hardly any shorts. We conceded just two goals throughout the tournament and it was that application that helped us dominate the games. If I’m honest the lads have been like that all season. It has been the groundwork to success.”
How pleased were you with how the lads kept their nerve?
SB: “When it came down to penalties it was a complete lottery. Penalties can go either way. We had a young England goalkeeper in our side so we knew we had a chance. He managed to save two penalties and that helped us win it.”
What does it say about the club’s academy to win this crown?
SB: “It means the world to the staff and players at the academy. This is what we all work so hard to achieve. It proves that the academy works well and we have some top, top talents in our system.”
Keep up to date with our academy teams by using the hashtag on Twitter, #SAFCAcademy!
