A CHILDREN’s football team based in Rhyl has finished a “very special” first season following its formation last year by winning one tournament and finishing as runners-up in another.

“Hearts Spartans” is an under-7s team put together by Nick Bickerstaff, who also owns and runs Prestatyn Butchers.

In their first season in existence, the team reached a cup final, where they were narrowly beaten 1-0, and held their own in the Rhyl and District Junior League.

And in the last two weeks, the youngsters won a “champion of champions” tournament in Mold, and lost 1-0 in the final of a 30-team competition in Warrington.

Nick and his wife Kathryn, a psychiatric nurse, helped fund the club, which is affiliated with Rhyl Hearts Junior Football Club.

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New Rhyl under-7s football team celebrates ‘very special’ first year

He said: “I had faith in the boys, and we lost to a team who had Manchester United academy players among them in the final last Sunday (June 18).

“(In the Mold competition), we beat Rhuddlan 1-0 in the semi final, and then we a very strong Chirk side from the now-famous Wrexham area.

“We prevailed 3-0 winners, and eventually, it was our turn to smile and not see the boys crying.

“What a two weeks and a Father’s Day gift in the final at Warrington; well worth the journey for all of the parents.”

Hearts Spartans are keen to take on new teams from age groups ranging from under-6s up to under-15s.

No experience will also be required for potential new coaches, either, and you can contact Nick by emailing: bickers9@icloud.com.