Valencia earn trip to Disney Cup
Valencia CF were the biggest winners of the 2012 Kappa Classic as the club won two of the six cups available as well as being handed an invitation to compete in the Disney Cup International Youth Soccer Tournament this summer.The club, based at Saltus Grammar School, claimed both the Under-10 and Under-14 titles, with the former granted the right to compete in Orlando, Florida.Facing off against Dandy Town in the Under-10 division final, Valencia ran out 2-0 winners while the Under-14’s also beat their St John’s Road rivals 1-0 to lay claim to their title.For the first time ever, local teams can register for the Disney Cup without having to go via a third party such as XL Tours or any other overseas based agency, thanks to Cal Blankendal who has set up his own sports tour company.North Village and Somerset Trojans have travelled to Disney in previous years, with Village winning the Under-nine division last year.The annual spectacle will be held from July 16t to 21 at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, with invitation to the tournament including free registration, free accommodation at Disney and free transport.The side will be guaranteed four games, with progression through the group stages providing more games.“This exciting and unprecedented package represents Bermuda’s most dynamic sporting award for youth-based, grass roots football clubs,” said Blankendal.“We know that Valencia FC will represent Bermuda proudly and that with the growth of BSMG (Bermuda Sports Management Group) and Kappa, we will be ambitious and work tirelessly to continue to support you, Bermuda’s outstanding clubs and athletes.”Kappa member Craig Tyrrell said he was pleased with the news and believed it is a step in the right direction.“The Kappas are ecstatic about this development as it shows the value our corporate sponsors place on the Kappa Classic within our community,” said Tyrrell. “It was a fantastic weekend. The Kappa Classic saw 72 teams with over 1,000 children participating and for the first time in two locations.“The games were played hard but with great teamwork and sportsmanship, and the parents and coaches need to be commended for their part.”Two pitches, the main field at the North Field of the National Sports Centre and also at the BFA field, were used with hundreds of spectators enjoying two days of exciting youth football.In the Under-12 division, BAA Green held off North Village for a 1-0 win, while the Rams did claim silverware on Sunday, beating Hamilton Parish 3-2 on penalties.Dandy Star and Somerset Trojans Black battled out for both Under-11 and Under-13 Girls crowns, with both grabbing one title each.Stars blanked Blacks 3-0 in the Under-11 final, while revenge was exacted when the Blacks beat Stars 2-1 in the Under-13 finals.“The Kappa Classic could not happen without the dedication of numerous volunteers from referees, to field marshalls and concession stand workers.“We are thankful to them as well as the grounds crew at the NSC and the BFA and of course our corporate partners.”