A new bond has been formed between two youth football teams – and they will play for an annual cup.

Midhurst and Easebourne FC youth chairman Gary Norgate was approached by Stuart Maltman of Chichester Rangers Blacks under-10s who identified them as having a club, team and support similar in values to theirs – and he put forward an idea of forming an annual Cup Final for both teams.

Stuart said: "My idea of creating this event was for all forms of lower tier players to experience the feeling of a cup final. Why wait years to walk out to music, a changing room pumping with good vibes and a chance for all family and friends to witness a chance of them lifting gold?

"No matter what stage in development they are, this annual event between our two teams can increase their development and give them hope and dreams of what they can achieve.

Midhurst and Easebourne U10s pick up the trophy

placeholder image — Midhurst and Easebourne U10s pick up the trophy

"The cup has been named as the Tangmere Challenge Cup and each year will change venues between Chichester Rangers’ home ground in Malcolm Road, Tangmere, and the Rotherfield, home of Midhurst.

"This season's final attracted a large crowd and was played in a competitive but sporting manner.”

Matt Mason, joint Midhurst U10 manager, said: “It's a joy to coach Midhurst and Easebourne U10s. We have watched the team grow tremendously the past few seasons into a great team all round – each player has their own individual strengths and they all complement each other.

"We had a great season last year. We thank Chichester Blacks U10s for this great idea and wish both teams the best of luck in the years ahead.”

Midhurst's Ayla Norgate scored one of the five goals and was voted player of the match by the Chichester team

Midhurst U10s ran our winners of the first final, 5-3 the score. They raced into a 4-0 lead. Goals from Rafferty Barrington-Wells (2), Ayla Norgate and an own goal.

Chichester Rangers never gave up and continued to play with heart and passion scoring before half-time through Jenson Mitchell.

The second half was even, with both teams having large parts of possession as well as chances to add to the scoresheet.

Midhurst went 5-1 up through Riley Wall-Palmer after good work from Frank Maides. Chichester Blacks set up a tense ending by scoring two goals in quick succession to pull it back to 5-3, Jenson Mitchell and Harvey Rawlings the scorers.

Midhurst’s Gary Norgate said: “Firstly, a huge thank you to Stuart and everyone at Chichester Rangers for contacting us to take part in this cup final, something I’m sure will be a huge success for all involved, no matter the score. We are looking forward to this being an annual event, we’ve certainly got big shoes to fill when we host next year.

"Coaching Midhurst has been an incredible experience. Matt and I started with these guys at under-fives and seeing them develop into the players and personalities they are now makes it so worthwhile.

"People often ask how we do it and have the time to week in week out keep do what we do. I can honestly say each and every one of them make it easy for us to do so.

“For both sets of players, parents, management and supporters, we hope for a link between both clubs that will hopefully carry on for some time.”

Pictured picking up the trophy are Annie Thorpe, Ayla Norgate, Charlie Coombes, Frank Maides (C), Lukas Arrowsmith, Ernie Curtis, Riley Wall-Palmer, Rafferty Barrington-Wells and Rosie Mason.