45th EMPA Football Tournament – OSTEND

September 10th, 2009 by JCB
Posted in Coastlines | No Comments »

This year the Ostend pilots (LSOV) hosted the 45^th European Pilots Football Tournament.  Held since 1964, this is the 7^th time that Ostend has organised this great occasion.

Players are: L-R: Willy Terry ( Forth), Matt Easton ( Liverpool), Pater Flanagan (London), Kevin Walsh (Captain, Liverpool), Steve Blake (Tees), Terry Crowe (Ex Liverpool, cheerleader)

Mike McNeill (Manchester), Graham Langley ( Manchester)Devey (Ex Liverpool, cheeleader)

Front Row: Steve Swanick (Manchester), Chris Spurling (London), Dave Williamson (Liverpool) Kenneth McInnes (Forth), Zane Jaochim (Tees), Simon Wood (Liverpool)

On the evening before the tournament, our squad arrived at the venue for the draw where the teams, wives and guests were treated to food, drink and a bit of “leg-training” by way of a disco.  The draw for the tournament was made.  Here our team discovered that they were to play in an initial group consisting of Rotterdam and Weser Ems, (Described by team Captain Kevin Walsh (Liverpool), as the “Group of Death!!”.)

Ostend itself has a lot to offer, a fabulous beach and sea front, great shopping, restaurants and cafes.  The organisation and hospitality provided by the LSVO pilots was truly outstanding.  Coaches were provided to the Royal Ostend Golf Club for a day of golf and the wives could join a special guided tour of the city with lunch and shopping afterwards.

“Team UK” consisted of 13 pilots from Liverpool (5), Tees (2), London (2), Manchester (2) and Forth (2).  Special thanks must be given to the Captain, Kevin, who boosted the team with his inspiring team talks.  Peter Flanagan (London), with the birth of his third child imminent, caught the 6am ferry from Dover, joining the team on the day of the tournament, He only just missed the first game.  He went home as the football finished and Mrs Flanagan had a baby girl on the Monday after the tournament.  What commitment!

Team UK lost to Rotterdam in the first game 2-0, what do they feed those boys on in Holland?, they dwarfed most of the UK team, except perhaps for William Terry (“Big Willy”) from the Forth and Matt Easton the goalie.  During the second game against Weser-Ems, a shot by Steve Blake which re- bounded was finished off nicely by him to make it 1-0, unfortunately a contentious penalty decision went against us, ending the game 1-1.

Team UK Score!

Following a magnificent lunch, the UK team were drawn against the Kiel pilots. Dave Williamson had a great shot on goal that was saved and the end result was 0-0.  The last game was against a team from EMPA.  The UK team had gelled, and played really well.  Zane Joachim shot in the first goal after bringing the ball down from his chest neatly to his feet.  Steve Blake got the second and it was Zane again putting in the third after which EMPA got one back.  An impressive 3-1 win with exceptional performances from Simon Wood, Peter Flanagan and Kevin Walsh, but everyone played their part.

The UK pilots came 8^th out of 12 but only two points separated 8^th and 4^th. Alas for that penalty!  Beaten only by Rotterdam, who actually won the competition, was a fantastic result and the team enjoyed a good rest period in the sun afterwards with free beers all round.

A tense moment is defused!

That evening a dinner dance was held in the “Kursaal”.  A walk through the receptions halls on red carpet led everyone to wine, champagne and canapés and the presentation.  A wonderful four-course meal then followed in the grand hall accompanied by a seven-piece band and more complimentary drinks.

Team (UK)’s squad was small and far flung across the country but there was great camaraderie between them and the other European pilots that took part, around 180 in all.  Thanks to Simon Wood for his excellent organising of the UK pilot’s participation. The enthusiastic LSVO pilots delighted all their European colleagues with their incredible organisation and hospitality, making it an unforgettable and superb stay on the Belgian coast.

Next year the tournament will be held in Havre 13th – 15th May.

Wives are encouraged to come, excursions are arranged for them and a dinner dance and trophy presentation takes place on the evening of the tournament.

There is obviously a cost involved (hotels etc.) but the event itself is subsidised by the hosts. Any pilots who want to come just for the football can do so.

I’m sure our team with a larger squad will do even better.  France 2010 here we come!

Shelly Spurling

If you are interested in participating, please contact JCB here