Aber Valley U10s lift trophy at Birmingham City’s home ground

Aber Valley Under-10s lifted silverware at Birmingham City’s St Andrew’s Stadium after holding their nerve in two dramatic penalty shootouts.

The young side travelled to the West Midlands on Monday May 25, to compete in a tournament featuring teams from across the country, with players, coaches and parents making an early-morning journey up the M5.

Upon arrival at St Andrew’s, Aber Valley were placed in one of two groups of six teams, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the semi-finals.

The Abertridwr-based team impressed throughout the group stage, conceding just one goal and finishing second behind Chase Colts from Stafford.

That result set up a semi-final clash against Clapham. After a closely contested encounter finished 1-1, the match was decided by a penalty shootout, with Aber Valley keeping their composure to book their place in the final.

Waiting for them were familiar opponents Chase Colts, who had beaten them in the group stage.

Aber Valley made the perfect start, taking an early lead in the final. However, Chase Colts levelled the scores with a controversial goal, after claims that the ball had gone out of play in the build-up.

With neither side able to find a winner before the final whistle, the tournament was once again decided from the penalty spot.

A tense shootout followed, with both teams converting under pressure. The decisive moment came when Colts saw one of their penalties saved, leaving Aber Valley with the chance to win the tournament. They took it.

The winning penalty sparked jubilant celebrations as Aber Valley were crowned champions and lifted the trophy on the St Andrew’s pitch.

Under-10s coach Josh James praised his players for their efforts and highlighted the strength of the club’s youth setup.

“They were fantastic and thoroughly deserved winners,” he said.

“The setup is brilliant. Everyone comes together, and to have at least 25 kids involved at every age group, they must be doing something right.”

James also paid tribute to all 30 players involved in the Under-10s age group and reflected on their development over recent years.

“All of them have been excellent,” he said. “I have been with most of them since they were five or six years old, and to see them grow over the past five years has been great. Hopefully I can see them right the way through.”