The manager of an under 9s football team who battled their way to third place in a tournament has praised his young players.

South Darenth FC, who play in the Selkent (South East London and Kent) B League showed off their skills on tour this month while playing in a tournament at Alton Towers.

Facing teams from all over Europe, including representatives from Poland and Ireland, the young players held their own to achieve third place out of 14 teams.

Rob Divers, who manages the team along with Mike Rhucroft, said the players had a "tricky first game" but managed to find their feet throughout the tournament.

The "very proud lads" were lucky enough to be awarded their medals in an evening ceremony by footballing great, Phil Thompson.

The players presented with trophies were: Archie Goodman, Ben Herriot, Finley Syres, Freddie Fuller, Hugo Rhucroft, Mason Divers, Noah Kelly and Zac Attard.

Mr Divers praised his "great coaching staff" for helping the team grow and reach a promotion since it first started playing in 2016.