Axminster Town youth team players did the club proud when they travelled to Paris to compete in the Europa Cup and enjoyed the "fantastic experience" of playing in one of the world's top football stadium - the Park des Princes.

Led by youth team manager Sam Dibling, Axminster's Under 13 and Under 14 sides got to the semi-finals, both loosing out of penalties.

Dibling said it was a "fantastic experience"for the young Tigers and he paid tribute to all those who had helped finance the experience of a lifetime for the Axminster players.

This is Dibling's account of the players' trip to Paris which as well as competing in the cup competition also included watching some of the world's top players in action:

"The boys got to Paris on the Friday in dribs and drabs as EasyJet decided to cancel our flight. Some managed to visit the Eiffel town, the sights of Paris etc, but some didn't get in until very late.

"On the Saturday the boys had a chilled day visiting Disneyland and taking in the sights. We managed to get a few tickets to watch the Paris Saint-Germain match that evening to see the world's greatest players - Messi, Mbappe and Neymar - in action.

"Then the big day arrived as we entered on the red carpet to the stadium to play in this year's Europa Cup and what a great experience it was, both our teams getting knocked out at the semi-final stage on penalties. In both the Under 13s and Under 14s age group in which we competed, most of the boys we were playing against were older.

"Participating teams came from France, Germany, Haiti, Wales and of course England. The eventual winners were from rom France. 

"It was fantastic experience for the young Tigers both teams winning their third and fourth placed final placed game in a play-off it to end on a good note. 

"Massive thanks to all those who donated to help us participate, especially Cllr Ian Hall who helped through his the locality fund. Bingo organisers Terry Guppy and Liz Goff. And youth team sponsors Ernie Stobbs, Lentells Accountants and Castle Hill Tyres. "

Axminster Town has one of the buoyant youth sections in local football with teams ranging in ages for six to 16. Next season they are launching an under 18 side to play in the midweek floodlit league, to be managed by Sam Dibling.