BUNTINGFORD Town s youth team will head out to Denmark this week to defend their Dana Cup crown. Last summer, Paul Attfield s side won the prestigious tournament, beating Spanish side Ostadar KF 2-1 in the final, with goals from Lewis Endacott and Ashley

BUNTINGFORD Town's youth team will head out to Denmark this week to defend their Dana Cup crown.

Last summer, Paul Attfield's side won the prestigious tournament, beating Spanish side Ostadar KF 2-1 in the final, with goals from Lewis Endacott and Ashley Townsend.

The Dana Cup is the world's third-largest youth football tournament and more than 70 teams from across the globe will battle it out to get their hands on the under-19 trophy.

And more than 800 teams will represent the 50 different nations from under-11s to under- 18s.

Boss Attfield left his 19-man squad in the hands of coaches Neil and John Bitting while away on a four-week trip, and the pair have been busy getting the players in top shape with a vigorous six-week training programme.

Last year the squad played seven games in just five days, and in searing temperatures.

Attfield said: "The lads all seem very hungry to defend this trophy, and their talent, ability, and attitude will give us an excellent opportunity to do so.

"There could be a tough eight-game programme, but most of the players have survived this trip before, and know what it takes to do well in difficult circumstances - and that will be a big asset."

Buntingford boast an incredible Dana Cup record, having finished runners-up in 2005.

Last year they saw off a number of talented sides, including Brazilian club Hipica Campina, in an entertaining quarter-final showdown that had to be decided on penalties, before beating London-based Camden United in the semi-final.

Town have been drawn to play three Norwegian teams in the group stages, with the draw for the second round taking place next week.