ARIZONA played host to the biggest youth soccer contest in America, and probably the world, where the top scorer was a 16-year-old from Barnsley.
In all six teenagers from Barnsley took part in the President’s Day Tournament across two teams, the South Yorkshire FA’s under 16 girls and under 18 boys.
Both teams finished third overall in their sections, in a tournament of 480 teams from all over the world.
Betty Cheetham, 16, from Royston, was the tournament’s top scorer, netting five times in four games.
“Betty was fantastic,” said coach Steve Maddock.
“They all were. They were all up against teams that were a lot fitter and train a lot more intensively. So we were walking wounded by the end. But they were outstanding and both teams finished third in their sections.
“There were teams from all over the world, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, loads from the USA.
“It was a phenomenal experience for them all. They stayed with the families from the soccer school out there in their homes. Some of them were in houses you wouldn’t believe, with their own pools, it was amazing.
“We’re already booked in for next year.”
The boys team included Barnsley players Matty Greaves and Tom Toulson (captain), while in the girls team Betty was joined by Chloe Allott, Katrina Parsons and Nicole Cutting.
