Second Year student Clem recently travelled to the Netherlands, to compete in the U13 Cup with his team Crystal Palace FC (CPFC). The tournament was hosted by Dutch team CVV Zwervers, just outside Rotterdam, and 12 teams took part including Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Paris Saint Germain and fellow Brits Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.
Clem plays in goal and joined CPFC when he was just six years old. He describes the recent tournament:
“The tournament was very competitive with some amazing teams, but I enjoyed every minute! My favourite thing was connecting with other players from different countries – Ajax, Genk and PSG were in our hotel which was fun. My highlight on the pitch was saving a penalty against Ajax which meant we managed to draw and win the group stage.”
CPFC were beaten in the quarterfinals by eventual tournament winners Club Brugge, but the whole trip was a fantastic experience with lifelong memories made.
Seven years ago, aged six, Clem joined his brother Johnny’s training session for Beckenham Town. He says, “The coach asked if I would like to go in goal, and I said yes. A few weeks later the coach, who was also a scout for Brighton and Hove Albion, asked me to trial with Brighton. I was scouted for CPFC a few months later and joined the pre-academy before signing my first contract aged eight for the under 9s.”
At Trinity, Croydon, Clem has enjoyed success with the U13 side in the ISFA Cup tournament, which the team won for the first time in the school’s history. Clem says, “Winning the ISFA Cup was an incredible experience, and I love playing football with my school friends. Playing in international tournaments is diffecfpcrent as we constantly have to adapt our play so are learning all the time. Both are fun!”
Congratulations on a great season!
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