The final of the Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy is due to take place on Sunday 22 April 2018 between Hastings United and ASC Strikers.

Hastings United vs. ASC Strikers
Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy Final (under-15s) - sponsored by Gardner & Scardfield
Date: Sunday 22 April 2018
Kick-off: 6.30pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

This Sunday’s showdown consists of two young highly ambitious sides.

ASC Strikers are finalists in their third consecutive County Cup Final having won the Sussex Les Kempster Challenge Trophy (under-13s) beating Worthing Town 8-1 and receiving a walk over in the final of the Sussex C P Mason Cup (under-14s) against Three Bridges Youth last season.

Del Tobias, ASC Strikers manager is looking to make club history by lifting a county trophy for a third successive time on Sunday afternoon: “Getting to another county final is a great achievement; it just shows off all the good work we are doing and we hope to win it.

“If we turn up and play anything like we are capable of doing, we will be able to match any team we play on the day.”

Although Del Tobias has been involved with ASC Strikers for fourteen years, he only took charge of the team when they were under-13s, after his predecessor left the club.

Del who has a huge passion for football development within Sussex also oversees the under-16s at the club, coaches for Lancing United’s under-21 side, works for Sussex Schools as a district coordinator and is the regional director at Pro Direct Soccer Academy.

ASC Strikers play in the Sussex Sunday Youth League and Tobias admitted: “At ASC Strikers we develop players; we are competitive even though we try and be inclusive and that is probably why we aren’t going to win the league this year for the third time.

“This year we have tried to rotate the players to ensure everyone gets equal game time and I think this is a good profile to show that talented players we have.”

The Striker’s will be more than likely missing their captain, Shay Leahy  due to suffering a severe ankle injury earlier on in the season and despite returning to light duties at training, Tobias is doubtful that he will be match fit for Sunday.

The Strikers have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks as they also look to earn a place in the final of the Sunday Sussex Youth League Cup and in the Easter Break travel to Malaga, Southern Spain for a 7-day tour where they will play against academy teams.

Hastings United compete in the Kent Youth League south division and are in their second season since forming.

Manager Marc Gall has managed the majority of the players since under-11s at local side Select Soccer, before making the decision to relocate under the umbrella of Hastings United due to a shared vision with the club to create a sustainable player pathway into senior football.

Hastings United operate an under-19s academy in partnership with Sussex Coast College and this season decided to create development squads from under-12s and upwards to under-23s, including another under-15s team who compete in the Crowborough & District Youth Football League.

Marc said: “For me it’s hugely important for us to be competitive in the Sussex County Cup, it was our objective at the start of the season, and the main reason is that it’s a great opportunity to see what level we are at in terms of where we came from.

“I am aware ASC Strikers are a good side so we are going to have to be on it to make sure we get something out of the game.

Gall has been involved in football for many years and used to play for Rye before transitioning into the role of manager, and after successful years there he decided to begin his quest in coaching and developing youth football.

He said: “We have a very strong all round squad and I think Sunday will be very interesting because I have noticed that Kent and Sussex teams play two different styles of football. The physicality we have from playing in the Kent league will be key for us.”

The two finalists have never met competitively and so it will be a step into the unknown.

Entry prices for the final are as follows:
£3.00 Adult (17+)
£2.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card)
FREE Child (16 and under)

For further details about the Sussex Stan Beattie Memorial Trophy please contact Competitions:

Competitions
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com