A special tournament honouring one of the world’s greatest ever players and featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent in Europe was hosted by Brentford FC yesterday. The Pelé Cup took place at Brentford’s Jersey Road Training Ground yesterday, Saturday 26 September, and featured some of the biggest clubs in Europe. And the guest of honour was Brazilian legend Pelé, who met every young player involved.

Brentford were asked to host the event and teams from Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 took on sides from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United and Fulham in the ten team tournament for Under-12 sides. A young Brentford team was also involved and there was a team comprising players from Santos, where Pelé played for 18 years and still holds the records for most appearances and goals.

Brentford’s youngsters acquitted themselves well and finished second in their group, behind Manchester United, after wins over Bayern Munich and Tottenham. They looked set to reach then final when – after hitting the woodwork three times – they led Liverpool in the semi-final inside the final two minutes. But the Merseyside giants struck a late equaliser, won the penalty shoot-out and went on to beat Manchester United in the final to take the trophy. The Bees lost to Arsenal in their final match to finish fourth.

Pelé – known as one of the world’s greatest ever players – was on site towards the end of the event to watch and meet all those involved. He shared experience of a 21-year playing career, four World Cup Finals appearances, three World Cup winners’ medals and 77 international goals with some of the young players. He had his photograph taken with all the players and coaches involved and showed a keen interest in events. Unfortunately, due to security concerns, the doors could not be open to the public but this meant the young players got more time with the Brazilian legend.

Ose Aibangee, Brentford FC Academy Director, said: “This was a fantastic day for everyone connected to the Club. Pelé is one of the biggest names in all sport, not just football, and it was a great honour to welcome him to Jersey Road. It was special for me to meet him and spend some time with him and I am sure it is something all the young players will look back on fondly.

“He showed a keen interest in the games and the players involved and clearly enjoyed his time. Pelé is a man that everyone in football looks up to and can learn from. I would like to thank him for coming and hope we will see him again.

“The tournament itself was fantastic. Liverpool were worthy winners of the final but our young team came very close to beating them after picking up fine results earlier in the day against Tottenham and Bayern. We also pushed Manchester United close. We always learn a lot about the players on days like this and the lads will develop as a result. Particularly pleasing for me was the way they stuck together and supported each other at difficult times.

“It was nice to see the Chairman Cliff Crown, Directors Nity Raj, Phil Whall and Donald Kerr and many of the senior football staff – including Co-Directors of Football Phil Giles and Rasmus Ankersen – in attendance, particularly on a day when the First Team were at home. This shows how the Club can rally round and support the Academy and I am sure they would have seen some good football. It was also a boost for our young players to see them.”

Cliff Crown, Brentford FC Chairman, added: “It was with immense pride that I spent the morning watching our young team at the Pelé Cup yesterday. I saw three of our four group games and our Under-12s performed admirably. There are some talented players in our squad and they represented the Club very well. The organisation of the event was superb and I would like to thank Ose and his staff for putting on a memorable event.

“To be given the opportunity to meet and talk to Pelé was such an honour and a privilege. Despite his busy schedule he wanted only to talk about football and give something back to the game that he obviously still loves deeply. I am a very proud to be Chairman of Brentford FC and that we have the expertise to be able to put on an event such as this. I also feel incredibly lucky to have met the one and only Pelé.”