Ascot United U12 Youth team showed incredible sportsmanship this weekend by supporting the opposing team's goalkeeper after their loss.

In the semi-final of the Surrey Youth League Cup against Walton & Hersham FC, the game was tied at 1-1 and went to penalties. Ascot United U12 Youth won with a score of 6-5. After the game, the team showed true character by supporting the opponent's goalkeeper, who was devastated by the defeat.

Ascot United U12 Youth Manager Wayne McKnight was proud of his team's character display, saying, "I don't think in 17 years of coaching I've seen anything like that before. It's a credit to the coaching and management".

“It’s what our club is all about”
You might think a team that just won a semi-final in a penalty shootout would celebrate, but Ascot United U12 Youth didn’t do this.

“As a manager, something like that makes you proud to have amazing kids around you. Not every game is like that with parents on the touchlines, so it's amazing to see that the players have their own minds. We have always told the kids to be positive,” says Wayne McKnight, U12 Youth Manager. 

It’s important for Ascot United that the kids display the right behaviors on the pitch. In fact, this is what the club outside of London is all about, according to Neil Richards, the clubs’ Director of Football:

“I felt very proud to see the reaction from our U12’s Youth team following the penalty shootout win vs. Walton & Hersham FC. Of course, it’s great to win games, but it’s just as important to display the right behaviors towards your opponents in victory as well as defeat. It’s what our club is all about.”

The U12 Youth team has brought great pride to their club with their display of sportsmanship and character.