20-05-2025
Caledonian Braves celebrate FENIX Trophy win in Italian sunshine
The Motherwell outfit were on top form in picturesque Lake Iseo
Caledonian Braves boss Ricky Waddell says winning the FENIX Trophy has brought the club together over a magical weekend in Italy.
The Motherwell club were stationed at Lake Iseo for the finals, beating Belgian side Bechem Sport 3-0 in their semi-final, before dispatching two-time winners FC United of Manchester in the final 3-1.
Greig Stewart and Ross McNeil netted in the semi-finals, with the Belgians scoring an own-goal, and McNeil scored in the final, alongside Connor McLaren and Cameron Breadner.
McLaren holds the distinction of scoring Braves' first-ever European final goal.
The FENIX Trophy (Friendly, European, Non-professional, Innovative and Xenial) was set up four years ago, and Waddell says they enjoyed the whole experience.
He said: 'It's a tournament that's designed to bring clubs together from our level, at semi-pro level, from around the world.
'The early teams we played against weren't particularly much of a challenge, but when we got to the finals it was four good teams in it. It was honestly fantastic, a really good team bonder as well, and the fact that we won it was great.
'What was really special is that my family was there, a lot of the players' had their families, wives, girlfriends, and whatnot, and it was really special to have everybody away.
'We're already a tight-knit group with a really good team spirit, but that just topped it off. But it was absolutely brilliant to get away and see everybody together and happy, and winning the tournament was an important thing as well.'
Waddell added: 'The tournament is growing in size every year with better clubs getting involved in it.
'The Belgian team we played in the semi-finals, I got a look at a couple of their games, they get a decent crowd at home. They're an old-fashioned team that were at the top level 30-40 years ago, then hit hard times financially, but they kept a lot of their crowds.
'FC United are a different type of model, and they don't want to support Man Utd in their current form and ownership, but they were your classic strong, physical English team, with a couple of wide players.
'They were fancying themselves, and I think they thought they could beat us without too much concern, but we were brilliant on the day.
'Manchester were decent, and I spoke to quit a few of them after, when they were very complimentary which was cool.
'This shows how far we've come this season, finishing third, winning the FENIX and just trying to progress the club in every way.'
On their location, Waddell said: 'The word 'stunning' doesn't do it justice. It's a classic little Italian town, quite quiet, on Lake Iseo, along the road from Lake Garda, which is a bit more popular. It was beautiful, so it was the perfect weekend for us.'
Braves end their season on Friday with the Southern Counties Cup final against Gretna 2008 at Raydale Park, and Waddell wants to retain their trophy.
He said: 'We want to do well in it. Gretna have had an OK season, they might look on it as a success, they weren't involved in the relegation scrap too much at the end of the season.
'But it's a cup final, they will be geared up for it, and I think if we can play to our potential, and get players back fit, then we want to retain that trophy.'
