Young footballers from Wuxi No.1 Middle School lift their hard-earned trophy after a tremendous performance in the 2016 Gothic Cup. [Photo/wxrb.com]

Wuxi No.1 Middle School footballers returned home with silver medals and a great deal of pride after their success in U18B Group of 2016 Gothia Cup.

The Liaoning capital of Shenyang played host to the inaugural Gothia Cup in China and teams from over 30 countries attended the weeklong footballing bonanza.

Wuxi No.1 Middle School played seven games in total, winning three and losing four. Having got off to a 2-1 victory in their opening match against a local Shenyang side, the boys in yellow must have been disappointed by the slender 1-0 margin with which they lost their second against Bangladeshi opposition.

The side's biggest trial came in their penultimate group game against the Japanese outfit Consadole and after a tightly fought opening few minutes there was no telling what was to come later. The Japanese team proved too strong and was leading 5-0 at half-time. There was a period in the second half when the team in red and black were unplayable and scored four goals in six minutes.

The lessons of hard work and determination that were taken from such a game cannot be undervalued. The Wuxi side showed fight and courage in the later knockout games overcoming two local sides from Shenyang and scoring 10 goals in the process.

The team's head coach, Jiang Chunchao, was delighted with the attitude shown by his players from the first whistle till the last.

"I am really proud that we're bringing home some silverware. We found our groove in the competition and got into a good winning streak."

Always the wise educator, Jiang is content with the success but still has half an eye on the role the experience will play for the students away from the sporting field.

"Our players really soaked in this wonderful opportunity to compete with fellow footballers from around the world. They gave their all and never let go of their attacking mentality, even against some club teams. More than anything, they learned the importance of teamwork and having a strong fighting attitude."

In the spirit of the Gothia Cup serving as a catalyst for cross-cultural exchange, overseas players had the opportunity to learn some Mandarin and immerse themselves in Chinese customs and history.

The Gothia Cup has been held annually since its founding in Gothenburg, Sweden, more than 40 years ago. It has become the most esteemed youth football tournament in the world and a stage for some of the planet's hottest starlets to showcase their abilities. Notable footballers to have played at the Gothia Cup include England legend Alan Shearer (1985), Italian playmaking wizard Andrea Pirlo (1990), and Spanish midfield maestro Xabi Alonso.