FC Morpeth U11s, who made many friends when they toured the Netherlands last year, made the journey again this year but with almost a double complement of budding soccer stars.

Gary Munday, FC Morpeth vice-chairman and director of football for the U11s, said: "Last year we took 14 kids – but this time round the group increased to 26.

"We fielded two sides as Athletico and Porto and have switched from seven a side to 11 a side - although our emphasis has been and always will be about enjoyment."

In their first match as Athletico, Jack Sampson was the lone scorer for Morpeth in a 4-1 defeat against a SV Duiveuland side of U14s whilst as Porto, Adam Saul and Ollie Dent were Morpeth's marksmen in a 6-2 reverse.

However, Mr Munday added: "Our performances were really good in both games.

"The sportsmanship was excellent but the Dutch skill levels are top class where they encourage their players to play from the back.

"It was certainly a learning curve and is what coach Paul Sampson is instilling into our lads."

He continued: "I was impressed with the maturity levels shown by our group of youngsters which had advanced from last year.

"They actively got interactive with the other lads and did this off their own accord.

"The new squad members mixed in well and it was a new experience for a lot of them.

"They took it in their stride and grasped it for what is was – and at the end of the day they all had fun."

David Thompson was voted the tourist of the year for FC Morpeth, who could make it an unique hat-trick of visits if plans to go back across to Holland come to fruition for 2009.

It is our intention to return next year and we're already in full preparation having arranged a fundraising event – a couple's evening of entertainment in the marquee at Morpeth Riverside Leisure Centre on Saturday, November 18," added Mr Munday.

"I know that the two Dutch clubs are looking to join together and to come across to us in the future which we would very much encourage and support."