Dover Athletic Academy manager Mike Sandmann speaks about under-18 to under-21 Professional Game Match Officials VAR tournament triumph at St George’s Park

Dover’s young guns have earned another tournament triumph.

After claiming the National League Alliance South title last season, their youngsters were victorious at last week’s under-18 to under-21 Professional Game Match Officials VAR tournament, held at St George’s Park, the headquarters for England’s teams.

First-team players George Wilkinson, Luke Baptiste and George Nikaj were also involved, Nikaj getting the Golden Boot, as Mike Sandmann’s troops won it for the fourth time.

The competition was used as a training aid for Premier League referees, as they continue with the development of the VAR system.

Academy boss Sandmann said: “It’s always good to get invited to these types of things. They’re quite exclusive events.

“The referees are preparing for their seasons with VAR.

“There was a break due to Covid but I think it’s the fourth time we have won it, which is pleasing.”

Overall, the young Whites won six, drew one and lost two of their matches on their way to the Final, where they nicked the only goal in a 1-0 win through Tim Marapara.

Sandmann said: “We travelled up on Wednesday night. The tournament was Thursday and Friday.

“Because we got to the Final, we didn’t leave until around 7.30pm and got back at around 11.30pm. It’s a lot of football.

“Because it’s an under-18 to under-21 tournament, we got to bring back some of the lads from the first-team. We got lads from America and Nikaj, Wilko and Baptiste involved.

“It’s good for those lads to be around again. It was a good experience all-round.”

Premier League new boys Luton and Peterborough have also been using facilities for their pre-season preparations while Benfica had taken on Southampton in a friendly the night before the tournament took place.

“It’s a