Charlton Athletic Upbeats football team wins the Down’s syndrome (DS) Active National Tournament title

The Charlton Athletic Upbeats football team won the Down’s syndrome (DS) Active National Tournament title – again.

The group saw off other special needs teams from Derby and Liverpool to clinch their seventh straight title.

They had a tough game in the final against a Merseyside All Stars team made up of  DS players from Liverpool and Everton.

It was 1 – 1 at half time and the Merseysiders were making it difficult for the Upbeats.

But a great individual goal from man of the match William Ely put his side ahead five minutes from time, and he added a third immediately after to make sure of the win.

Carl Krauhaus, Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) head of early help & prevention, said: “This
project has always been about giving these guys the opportunities and platform they deserve, and they have certainly been provided with that.

“The standard of DS Active football has improved each year, and this year’s national tournament was of the highest standard yet, with four or five teams looking capable of challenging the Upbeats for the title.

“The Upbeats, their families and everyone at CACT would like to thank all those who support the project.

The tournament took place in Birmingham on June 16.