Matthew Caley is fast becoming one of the country's top young American footballers after starring in the Great Britain side which won the an Under-16s tournament in Italy.

National representative sides from Germany, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, France and Spain, amongst others, were all involved in the Euro Flag competition, but Matthew, from Darlington, and his teammates came out on top by beating Germany in the final.

The success made up for last year's disappointment when GB reached the final only to lose to hosts Spain when the Euro Flag was held in Barcelona.

Staged in Bologna, the 14-year-old played a major role in tournament, starring in all four of the GB's group games as well as the final against Germany who had beaten the much-fancied Netherlands in their first match of the competition.

The 'flag' is a piece of velcro players must snatch from their opponents when 'tackling'.

Playing as a running-back, Matthew was the only member of the travelling party from the area chosen for the eight-man squad after attending first regional and then national trials.

Matthew also tasted success when earlier this year his club team, the Eastbourne Cardinals, won the English Bowl and they almost followed that up with the UK Bowl but were beaten narrowly by a Scottish side, losing 51-49.

Last season Matthew won two Most Valuable Player awards but says the Euro Flag triumph was his proudest team achievement so far.

"It was pretty big win, "said Matthew who is also captain of Darlington Albion football team, where he plays as a centre-half.

"Especially after last year, it made up for that defeat.

"We thought the Netherlands would do well but Germany beat them, and then we beat Germany!"

Matthew hopes to eventually progress from the Cardinals, who play their home matches at Eastbourne Sports Complex, Darlington, to their senior side, the Tees Valley Cougars but in the meantime is hoping for more success in the five trophy as the television channel is holding a tournament in Sheffield for teams across the country.

* If you are interested in playing the sport, contact Tracy Pennock of Eastbourne Cardinals on 077 3606 5314.