Bermuda’s Xavier Thomas-Bassett and his International Development Academy [IDA] Valencia bowed out of the Mediterranean Cup football tournament following a penalty shootout loss against Cerdanyola del Vallés FC during the round of 16.

Hours after the goalkeeper stood tallest at the end of a 5-4 penalty-kicks triumph over Laliga Academy UAE after the teams were deadlocked 1-1 at the end of regulation time, the situation was reversed versus the Catalans.

After a scoreless battle, IDA were denied a chance to play in the quarter-finals as Cerdanyola bested them 5-3 during the spot-kick deciders.

The Warwick Academy student took both the win and the defeat in stride, noting each experience to have been well worth the effort.

“It was a great moment when my team ran on to the pitch to celebrate with me and I felt like I was on top of the world,” said Thomas-Bassett of the win over Laliga.

As for the loss the teenager related how his side had battled hard to the end, making the defeat more easily consumable.

“To be honest, there was no disappointment when the team lost,” he said. We put up a great fight and showed determination from the beginning to the end.”

Asked of the overall experience at the event, Thomas-Bassett told of how he valued the time spent competing while fostering new relationships with new teammates.

He gave credit to the training and preparation received at Warwick Academy High Performance Football programme under the technical directorship of Richard Todd as well as his active participation with FC Bascome.

“The experience with IDA Valencia has been brilliant,” he said. “There is such great chemistry within this squad and there has been all the way from the beginning during the training camp up until now, the end of our tournament.

“But, I never would have had the opportunity to showcase my talents on such a major scale if it wasn't for these guys.

“The main differences that stood out to me were the speed of play and decision-making.

“The quality and standard of football at the MIC is of the highest order. There is little to no margin for error, so if you don't train at a high level then you will struggle at this tournament.”

The youngster offered a “no comment” when queried as to whether he had garnered interest from overseas professional clubs and/or academies, noting his current goal is simply that of maximising his talent.

“My only football ambition is to be the best football player I can possibly be, and this tournament has just shown me and the others that saw me playing that I can compete and stand out against top-tier opposition,” he said.

Thomas-Bassett’s participation with IDA Valencia was made possible through the partnership the Warwick Academy High Performance Football program has with the International Development Academy.