ROSS Juniors Under-14s returned from a memorable football tour to Spain with silverware after being awarded the tournament’s prestigious Spirit of Football trophy.

The Ross-on-Wye youngsters spent a week on the Costa Brava, north of Barcelona, where they competed against academy sides from across Europe while representing their club both on and off the pitch.

The Spirit of Football award was presented to the team which best demonstrated the tournament’s values of playing hard and fairly, remaining humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

Ross faced a particularly tough challenge after playing up an age group against Under-15 academy teams from Paris, Madrid, Valencia and Savona.

Their group included both sides which eventually contested the tournament final, but Ross still recorded a victory and managed to score in every match they played.

Club officials said the players showed discipline and respect throughout the trip, receiving no disciplinary cards during their matches, while no concerns were raised by hotel management.

The club thanked several organisations and individuals whose support helped make the Spanish tour possible.

Ross Town Council provided a grant for the second successive year, while Pengethley Farm Shop sponsored the team’s home kit for the tour and the 2026/27 season.

MB Autos sponsored training shirts and kit bags, while Morrisons in Ross-on-Wye allowed the players to hold two days of fundraising at the store over a bank holiday weekend, raising £1,800.

Thanks were also given to staff at John Kyrle High School for allowing many of the players to attend the tour during term time, subject to attendance, disciplinary and application targets.

The squad will now turn its attention to the new domestic campaign, stepping up to the Hereford Junior League Under-15 division when the season gets under way in September, following their successful experience against strong European opposition.