COLCHESTER Futsal Club coach Matt Binks feels their young players can be very proud of themselves after finishing as runners-up at the National Youth Finals in Birmingham.

The club's under-tens team had made history by doing what no other Essex side had ever done and just getting to the finals in the West Midlands by becoming regional champions, so to battle all the way to the final was a superb achievement from the Colchester youngsters.

The team were Owen Roberts, Braydon Bilton, Charlie Porter, Ben Sargeant, James Read, Lewis Clifton, Logan Roberts and Dylan Ketley-Gregan.

As well as playing Futsal - an indoor variation of five-a-side football - together all the team play for sides in the Colchester and District Youth League and while there was disappointment with losing in the final, Binks said it had been a tremendous experience.

He said: "I am very very proud of them all.

"We came through the group stages and the semi-final on penalties when our goalkeeper, James Read, scored the winning goal from the spot, before losing 4-2 in the final so are the national runners-up.

"It was a great experience as the facilities were first-class and the atmosphere was wonderful for the young players - they tried to make it as professional as possible.

"There were a few tears after losing in the final and having to watch the other team pick up the trophy, but they soon realised how proud they should be of themselves.

"It was a phenomenal achievement from the boys to be national runners-up in their first season and we can't wait to see what the team can achieve in the coming seasons if the boys can all stay together.

"It was great to see the camaraderie and team spirit that the boys have forged throughout the journey."

At the national finals, which were played at Play Football in Birmingham, the Colchester boys came through their group.

Despite a 4-2 defeat by North West champions De La Salle Academy, Colchester beat West Midlands champions Meole Brace Juniors 1-0 and drew 2-2 with the champions of the South West, Rydon Primary School, to book their place in the semi-finals.

In the last four, they faced Durham Futsal Club - the North East and Yorkshire champions - and trailed 1-0 with one minute on the clock, but a late equaliser from Braydon Bilton forced a penalty shoot-out, which they won to make it into the final.

Keeper James Read scored the final penalty before then saving Durham's last spot-kick.

In the final, Colchester played Mansfield Town, but despite leading twice, they couldn't quite hold on and the East Midlands champions were crowned National champions with a 4-2 victory.