Cambridge United’s Academy schoolboys enjoyed a memorable weekend in Holland as they tested themselves against some of Europe’s top academies in the Moerdijk Cup, achieving the Club’s highest-ever finish in the tournament…
The squad set off from the Bentley Road Training Ground at 5:30am on Friday 5th September, accompanied by staff members James Nicholas (Foundation Phase Lead), Liam Bloye (Head of Coach & Player Development), Jack Dawson (Lead Therapist) and Howard Crook (Academy Driver).
After travelling via the Eurotunnel and a stop in Dunkirk, where the players visited the historic Normandy landing beaches, the group arrived in Holland ready for two days of football.
Group Stage Success
Drawn in a tough group alongside Bayern Leverkusen, Atlético Madrid, Feyenoord and local side VV Seolto, the young U’s rose to the challenge, to finish second in the group and secure progression to the Champions League stage of the tournament.
- 1-0 win vs Bayern Leverkusen
- 0-0 draw vs Atlético Madrid
- 0-3 loss vs Feyenoord (eventual winners)
- 10-0 win vs VV Seolto
Champions League Stage & Play-Offs
United were drawn into the next stage with AZ Alkmaar and Genk, and despite disappointing results against both sides, the U's finished strong with two wins from their final three games.
- 0-0 draw vs AZ Alkmaar
- 1-3 loss vs Genk
- 2-0 win vs Beerschot
- 1-3 loss vs PSV Eindhoven
- 4-1 win vs Parma
The victory over Parma helped seal an 11th-place finish – Cambridge United’s best ever in the competition.
Final Standings
- Feyenoord
- Genk
- Anderlecht
- Athletico Madrid
- Ajax
- Brommapojkarna
- AZ Alkmaar
- AC Milan
- NAC Breda
- PSV
- Cambridge United
- Parma
- AGF Fodbold
- Arsenal
- Beerschot
- Bayern Leverkusen
- Cityroos
- FC Shalke
- VV Seolto
- VV Vitus
Reflections from Academy Manager Dom Knighton
“We are delighted to have restarted our tour programme for the 2025/26 season with a fantastic experience at the Moerdijk Cup. Competing against some of Europe’s strongest academies not only develops our players on the pitch but also off it – from travelling abroad for the first time to learning independence away from family.
“These opportunities are only possible thanks to the incredible commitment of our players’ families and the dedication of our staff team, to whom we are very grateful.”
