WATTSFIELD United Under 16s did themselves and Kendal proud after reaching the final of the Federation Cup - the largest youth tournament in Italy.

Wattsfield were up against more than 80 teams from 17 different countries in a competiton played in searing heat.

The Kendal side took time to acclimatise and lost their opening game against a team from Canada, going down 1-0 following an unlucky own goal.

The second game was from a Romania side much more accustomed to the heat and Wattsfield battle out a 0-0 draw before picking up their first win, a 2-0 win against a team from Norway.

The win booked a place in the quarter finals of the main cup, progressing against another Canadian team before goals from

Thomas Graham, Joe Carradus and Peter Spence booked a place in the final

In the final, Wattsfield were up against another team from England. After going 1-0, the Kendal side pushed forward in the last 10 minutes but were hit by two goals on the counter attack to loss 3-0.

"To reach the final and finish second place in an international tournament representing a small town Kendal was a great achievement," said Phil Graham. "The experience was unbelievable and some great memories were made.

"I am so proud of the team the way they conducted themselves on and off the pitch and for the high standard of football they played in a very difficult climate against very good teams."

The club thanked sponsors Cumbria Heating Components, James Tanner Joinery, Crystal Clean, Lakes Catering and Maintenance and Burrow Removals for helping to support the tour.