Towners set for European tour

Enfield Town FC invited to play at Uefa-sanctioned competition for non-league clubs in Europe, reports Andrew Warshaw

Towners fan will be able to make their Spurs counterparts jealous as they embark on a European tour this season.

Enfield Town FC will compete on European soil for the Fenix Trophy, a competition for non-league clubs sanctioned by Uefa, after being invited to take part in a unique competition.

The twelve-team tournament created in Italy recognises exceptional community focus and social purpose. In Enfield Town’s case, they are the country’s first fan-owned club.

The draw takes place at lunchtime today (Saturday 29th), with the group stage slated to take place later this year and the semifinals and final next summer.

This year’s final in June was staged at the legendary San Siro, which also held the third/fourth playoff won by FC United of Manchester.

The name Fenix is an acronym representing the tournament’s core values: friendly; European; non-professional; innovative; and xenial, which comes from the Ancient Greek word xenos, indicating an attitude of hospitality towards strangers.

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Paul Reed, chairman of Enfield Town of the Isthmian Premier Division, said: “We’re extremely thrilled and delighted to be making our debut in the Fenix Trophy this season.

“The trophy celebrates unique and progressive clubs across the continent. It’s a great honour to be seen in this light and it was a very easy decision to accept the invite to join so many fantastic clubs in this season’s competition, showcasing all that is good about football away from the professional game.

“Having watched the competition develop over the last couple of years we can’t wait to be involved and bring European football to our players and supporters.

“Our great friends at Beveren and FC United have spoken very highly of the tournament and we look forward to forging fantastic new relationships with our fellow competitors.

“Our new management team are fully aligned and supportive of our entry into Fenix and we will be fighting hard to try and make it to the finals next year.”

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