The Spanish Soccer Schools (SSS) Under-12s have been crowned champions of their division in the Nicosia International Cup in Cyprus.

Having progressed from the semis via a thrilling penalty shootout, the youngsters worked hard in the final to triumph in a well-deserved 3-1 win.

Held in the Cypriot capital, the tournament featured several prestigious youth football teams and academies, including Greek outfits AEK Athens and Olympiakos Piraeus, Serbian side Red Star Belgrade, Italian youth team Spazio FC and the Arsenal Soccer Schools.

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SSS sent in two representative teams. While one team did triumph in the final, the other finished fifth in the overall standings. Dubai Sports City Football

Academy Director Michel Salgado was overjoyed with the progress his team had made.

“Obviously, the kids are very excited about this international tournament, it is massive for them. It is a great experience, not only for the kids, but also for our academy.”

James Aubrey was awarded the Golden Boot as he finished the tournament as top scorer, while Miguel Salgado was voted Best Player of the Tournament in his age group. This is of course not the first time that SSS have impressed while overseas.

Last year, they went toeto- toe with some of the best youth teams in the world at the Ciudad Vilagarcia Youth Cup held in Arosa, Spain, over the summer.

In addition, in March of 2015, the youngsters distinguished themselves at the Palencia Cup, with Rune Schrader being named the Best Player of the Tournament.