Bermuda’s Under-14 football team did the Concacaf region extremely proud by placing third among the six countries that competed in a FIFA-sanctioned Under-14 Tournament in Zurich, Switzerland earlier this week.

Competing in rainy and frigid conditions, the Island’s young representatives chalked up one win, a draw and a solitary loss playing against formidable opponents while also enjoying the distinction of meeting FIFA boss Sepp Blatter and Germany’s 1974 World Cup star Franz Beckenbauer — the only man to win the World Cup both as a player and a manager.

Coached by Winston Trott jr and Fred Lewis jr, Bermuda managed to hold San Marino to a scoreless draw and were then narrowly beaten 1-0 by a powerful South Africa side before rebounding with a 6-5 sudden-death penalty shoot-out win over Bahrain to earn themselves a podium finish in the inaugural tournament.

Bermuda Football Association (BFA) first vice- president Cal Blankendal said overall the Island’s youngsters acquitted themselves well — despite having very limited time to prepare and competing in a much colder climate then they are accustomed to.

“It has definitely been a great experience for the boys. I thought they were a bit unlucky in the first match (against San Marino) where they had opportunities but could not put the ball into the net,” Blankendal said.

Bermuda also competed well against the South Africans, but again could not find the way to goal.

“They were definitely a stronger opposition. But our youngsters still showed that they can compete at a high level against a quality team such as South Africa,” Blankendal added.

And after neither team could hit the target in regulation, the Island’s youngsters kept their nerve during a penalty shootout to edge Bahrain and claim third place honours in front of another good turnout in their final contest.

“We fought very hard in the last match and were again unlucky not to put the match away with two good opportunities. But at the end of the day the guys kept their nerve and won the match on penalties,” Blankendal said.

Converting from the penalty spot were Quadir Maynard, Daniel Andrade, Rakeem DeShields, Kashi Davis, Darrell Lounds and Zico Lewis — the son of team coach Fred Lewis.

Accompanying the youngsters on tour are BFA president Larry Mussenden, first vice-president Blankendal and general secretary David Sabir along with chairpersons Shequita Parson, Charles Clarke and Troy Brimmer.

Mussenden, Blankendal and Sabir have all made the journey to Switzerland to attend a FIFA Congress that concludes today.