Valiants triumph to earn big day out at Wembley

Disability football

Bromley Green Valiants under-16s are celebrating after reaching The FA People’s Cup final in Birmingham in May. The nationwide competition sees more than 40,000 players taking part including men’s, ladies and disability players across 16 categories ranging from under-14s through to walking football. The Valiants – Owen Lewington, Rhys O’Sullivan, Ashley Fedder, Toby Furner, Keiron Smith, Charlie Revell and Cameron Spence – won all their matches, coming from 2-0 down at half-time to beat MK Dons 3-2 in the regional final at Wimbledon on Sunday. Smith scored twice, including the winner with Furner getting the other. The squad received FA Cup final tickets and will have the chance to parade with their cup during half-time at Wembley on Saturday, May 27. Coach Aaron Maul said: “The boys deserved every bit of their success and I am sure everyone who was involved was honoured to be a big part of it.” Valiants beat AFC Bournemouth 3-0 in the semi-finals, with O’Sullivan (two including a penalty) and Smith the scorers. They started the group stages with a 6-1 win over Swanscombe Tigers, Smith getting five of them, and Spence the other, followed by a 4-0 win over Wandgas Football for All, finishing with a 1-0 over another AFC Bournemouth side, O’Sullivan getting the winner. Maul admitted his toughest job was nominating the man-of-the-match with goalkeeper Owen Lewington winning the vote. Club administrator Debbie Claber said: “We are always interested in recruiting new members (from six years old to adults). “People dealing with disability can be pretty isolated, and struggle to find activities that will accept their children.” Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Debbie on 07510 523658.

Bromley Green Valiants celebrate