FC Bascome held their own on their debut at the prestigious USL Academy Cup in Tampa, Florida, at the weekend.

The local football academy was represented by three teams in the Under-13 Premier Group B, Under-15 Legacy Group A and Under-19 Classic Group B divisions.

FC Bascome’s under-15s were the most successful as they finished runners-up in their group, three points adrift of group winners Swan City SC, and then lost to the same team in the final.

The team suffered a 3-0 defeat to Swan City in their opening group match but bounced back with 3-1 and 2-1 wins over Chicago City and BWP Academy in their remaining group fixtures to set up another showdown with Swan City in the final, which they lost 3-1.

The Under-19s finished third in their group and sixth overall. They drew 1-1 with South Bend Lions and held BWP Academy to a goalless draw before losing 3-2 against East Atlanta FC in their group fixtures. They then lost 1-0 to Morris Elite in a fifth-place play-off.

The Under-13s placed third in their group and fourth overall. They lost 1-0 and 4-1 to Southern Soccer Academy and Ironbound SC and edged FC Miami Academy 3-2 in their group fixtures. They then lost 2-0 against South Georgia Tormenta FC in a fifth-place play-off.

FC Bascome travelled to Florida with 55 players where they finally made their debut in the USL, which was delayed for three years owing to the coronavirus pandemic and resulting travel restrictions.