AV's JT v BT U6s

In 1960 the UEFA General Secretary decided that a match between the European Champions and the winners of the Copas Libertadores would be an excellent idea. In 1960 Real Madrid beat Penarol playing in Montevideo and then in Madrid. Santos from Brazil with Pele on board thrashed Eusebio's Benfica. Unfortunately as the competition wore on violence seemed to be the order of the 1970s and eventually Ajax refused to play after Cruyff had his ankle demolished by an Independente tackle and so European champions declined the invitation. The cup was re-instated in 1980 with a one off final in Japan sponsored by Toyota. It was last played for in 2004.

Less violent is the pre-season competition played by Aston Villa in Germany this weekend when they took on MSV Duisberg, Malaga and Hertha Berlin in the "Cup of Traditions" to win an impressive trophy made partly of metal and mostly of gold and silver plastic!

Observant fans have quickly entered into banter revealing that you can buy a replica trophy (just as ugly) on ebay, 10 inches high (much smaller) for about a tenner. It is called XPLODE, so look out for it. YES THIS ONE IS TEN INCHS HIGH.

Another wag showed his U6 team from Beaumont Town FC who won a local tornament and they were presented by the winners' trophy-NOT THE SMALL ONE!! it is the same as the Villa reward!

The Beaumont lads are dwarfed by their winning trophy.