The Bermuda National Academy Under-16 team successfully defended their Open Cup Tournament Gold division title in Decatur, Alabama, at the weekend.

The under-16 side finished the annual competition undefeated and without conceding a goal.

They beat Tupelo Futbol Club 98 Boys and Baton Rouge Soccer Club B Black, both by 2-0, before defeating FC United 98 Boys Blue 3-0 in the semi-final.

In the final, the under-16 team thrashed Club Ohio B Green 4-0 to claim the title for the second successive year.

Bermuda’s Under-14 Academy side lost their opening game to BUSA ‘00 Elite 3-1, before beating MSC/Lakers 99/00 by the same scoreline. In their final group game, they lost to group winners Atlanta Fire United.

Richard Todd, the Bermuda Football Association Academy director, said: “It’s rewarding to see that we are providing consistent opportunities for the National Academy teams to gain valuable match and competition experience outside of the regional qualifiers.

“The National Academy Under-16 select demonstrated many positive aspects of play, and the players overall have been exemplary as ambassadors of Bermuda with their conduct on tour.

“While the under-14s were not successful in their pursuit of their division championship, it is still early in their development.

“This experience has helped the players and coaches to identify areas for continued development as they work toward their focus of competing in next year’s Concacaf Under-15 tournament.”

At last year’s tournament, the under-16 team defeated Evansville Soccer Club 3-0 to win their division title, while the Under-14s reached the quarter-finals.