In a summer full of international football, Barnet FC were very proud to be represented at the Schools World Football Championships by Daniel Cheema, who plays for the club’s U16 age-group.

After winning the FA National Youth Futsal Festival last summer, Daniel’s school side Eastbury Comprehensive School were invited to Sardinia, Italy, in order to represent England at the World Championships in April.

The English squad of 14 players performed admirably at the tournament, defeating Romania 7-4 in their first game before suffering heavy defeats to two much older and more experienced sides in the shape of Italy and Brazil, losing 12-3 and 19-1 respectively.

England were then edged out 6-5 by Guatemala and 7-4 by the Netherlands, before beating a strong Russia side 7-6 in their pool.

Injuries and suspensions finally caught up with the English side in their final game against Hungary where they were defeated 10-5 after being forced to do without four players, giving England a very respectable finishing position of 14th.

The tournament capped off a fantastic season for Daniel, who scored 11 goals and assisted 14 more for the Barnet U15s last year as well as making his debut for the Youth Team in the 4-1 win over Luton Town in February.

Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Daniel on his international success and we look forward to seeing him develop further during what promises to be an exciting season for our young players.