A GROUP of youngsters and their family, friends and coaches have been celebrating success in a national football competition.

Tilbury U11 Blacks have made history by winning the prestigious ACES Nationals — the biggest grassroots football tournament in the UK, open only to league winners and county cup champions.

The team went unbeaten through nine matches, conceding just one goal all tournament, and were crowned Champions of England.

Only four teams from Essex have ever won this title in the tournament's history, and Tilbury are the first team from Thurrock to lift the trophy.

The Journey:

•  9 matches played
•  8 wins, 1 draw
•  Only 1 goal conceded
•  Wins against top sides from Liverpool, Sunderland, Stockport, London, Nottingham, Wolverhampton, Aldershot & more

Coaches Greg Naulls and Lee O' Sullivan offer some advice.

Team Players 

Goalkeepers - Kruzie Collins & Georgie Mumford 

Outfield players - Francis Naulls (captain) Ethan O'Sullivan, Jake Flannery, Bay Harvey, Sonny Michaels, Joshua Thiongo, Zach Hatfull, Lucas Grigore, Ronnie Lake, Oscar Fadrowski, Sonny Catania-Masters, Ronnie Brown 

Proud coaches Greg Naulls and Lee O'Sullivan.

Manager - Greg Naulls 

Assistant Manager - Lee O' Sullivan 

Check out: https://www.instagram.com/tilbury_u11_blacks?igsh=bHRtc3Axd2R2OHh1&utm_source=qr