Over the last week, Crystal Palace under 14s have been in Kuming, China to compete in the Mediterranean Champion Cup, which features 16 teams from China, South America, USA and Europe – including current holders Valencia.
Palace were the only English side competing and played one group match per day from Sunday. After three matches, the Eagles won once and lost twice in a tournament against physically more developed and experienced players - an experience that will benefit them immensely as they progress as footballers.
Mark Newson led the squad there as coach of the team (his broader role is that of Lead Phase Coach for the U13-U16 age groups), and he believes it has been a fantastic opportunity for the team to develop.