FC Bascome’s under-13 team made the perfect start at the prestigious USL Academy Cup in Tampa, Florida, on Friday

The local football academy’s youngest team at the competition edged Southern Soccer Academy 1-0 in a close under-13 Premier Group B match to get their campaign off on the front foot.

FC Bascome’s under-19 team also came away with something to show for their efforts in a 1-1 stalemate with South Bend Lions in their opening Classic Group B contest.

The academy is also being represented by an under-15 team who suffered a 3-0 defeat against Swan City in their opening Legacy Group A match.

FC Bascome are making their long-awaited debut in the event and have travelled to Florida with 55 enthusiastic young players.

“We are very happy with the preparations and the development of our players and coaches,” coach Andrew Bascome said. “They have put in a lot of hard work over the years and they have really earned this opportunity.”

FC Bascome’s debut in the USL was delayed for three years owing to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting travel restrictions.

“USL and the Academy Cup is a very important part of our programme's vision, and we are very excited to finally be here,” Bascome added. “The target is always to win, but there is so much more involved in this opportunity.

“We are here to learn and observe, to better understand where our programme is in relationship to the best clubs and teams within Concacaf, to network, to build relationships and further what we do.

“However, most importantly we are here to give the players a chance to express themselves and to use it for their own pathways towards a lifelong passion for the beautiful game. Only good things can come of out of this.”

FC Bascome’s programme philosophy is based on a desire to create the best possible environment for player development.

“USL helps us in so many ways to fulfil these requirements and they have been outstanding to work with,” Bascome said.

“Their resources and enthusiasm have been fantastic, and we are honoured to be the first non US/Canada club to join the programme.”

The tournament runs until Sunday.