Published Date:
08 May 2008
By Staff Copy
FIVE Bridlington footballers are jetting off to Moscow on an all-expenses-paid trip to watch the first-ever all-English UEFA Champions League final between Mancheter United and Chelsea and play in their own European Championship after winning a national competition.
The five, in a winning squad of eight, are captain Bogo Hristov and his brothers Ati and Ano, together with goalkeeper Nick van Heerden and Stephen Morris – who is replaceing Kevin Hoyle who cannot make the trip due to exams.
They were members of the winning team at the Vodafone UK 5-a-side football championship in London earlier this month, and now also take part in the European Championship in Moscow on the day before the all-English final.
They make their way to the Russian capital on the free trip – worth about £5,000 per man – on May 19 and will stay for three or four days before flying back to London Heathrow.
They won the UK final on penalties, and their captain Bogo – playing with a broken metatarsal – netted one of the spot kicks and was also named player of the tournament. He told the Free Press: “We’re really looking forward to it. We think we have a good chane of winning the tournament as well, and if we do we think we get a replica trophy like the Champions League one.”
There are a one or two United fans among them as well as Barcelona, who United beat in the semi-finals. The skipper added: “We did want Barcelona v Liverpool in the final, but it doesn’t really matter now as it’s all for free and we’re really looking forward ot it.”
On the injury front he is still struggling with his metatarsal, but he said he will play whatever.
Their team 'Spartak Sofia' will now enjoy their trip which includes a VIP stay in a London hotel before a business class flight to Moscow and a first class hotel in Moscow, followed by VIP invitations to the final.
Bogo entered the competition with Vodafone for sending a video of football skills and became one of the eight winners who could then choose a team to play in Wimbledon.
Right, Bridlington lads Ano Hristov (third left), Nick Van Heerden (fourth left), Bogo Hristov (fifth left), Kevin Hoyle (second from right) and Ati Hristov (far right).
Picture submitted
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Last Updated:
07 May 2008 10:38 AM
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Source:
Bridlington Free Press
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Location:
Bridlington