The Hatters took players from their Under 10, 11 and 12 teams to compete in International tournaments in Stuttgart this weekend and it was the Under-11s who continued the Hatters' great record in European competition.

Competing in the Socco Cup on Saturday, Luton's campaign started with a game against Bundesliga side Vfb Stuttgart. In a close fought game, the Town came out on top due to a fine individual goal from Jack Snelus.

The team won the three remaining group games comfortably to qualify for the second round in the afternoon.

The second round was very competitive and despite a 1-0 defeat to Championship club Augsburg, the Hatters won their three remaining games to top the group on goal difference and qualify for the semi-finals.

In the semis the Town faced SV Vaihingen and fell behind early on, but a late equaliser from Cole Dasilva sent the game to penalties.

The score was 4-4 after the regulation five penalties, and then strikes from George Murray and Harry Bean took the score to 6-6. Vaihingen's next penalty was saved, and Joshua Brown stepped up and blasted the ball home to send Luton into the final.

The opponents in the final were Stuttgart's other professional club, Stuttgart Kickers, and they went ahead early in the game after a goalkeeping error.

The Hatters continued to create opportunities and after Romelle Alomenu was brought down in the penalty area, George Murray stepped up again to equalise. This time however, extra-time proved to be one step too far and Luton conceded twice to lose the game 3-1.

The boys were asked to use this near miss to motivate them for the second tournament on Sunday hosted by SC Abstatt. They responded brilliantly to this and showed their strength of character to win every game to the final, playing some great football on route.

In the final they faced German Third Division Team SG Sonnenhof, and goals from Harry Bean and Freddie Hinds sealed a 2-0 victory.

Hinds was also voted as player for the tournament for his dynamic displays throughout the tournament.

Squad: Tom Wyant, Romelle Alomenu, Joshua Brown, Cole Dasilva, Harry Bean, Tyreeq Bakinson, George Murray, Jack Snelus and Freddie Hinds.

Stuttgart Kickers also proved to be Luton's nemesis in the Under 10 two-day Benzburg-Cup. After qualifying for the semi-finals by beating Croatian side Naftas Ivanic 3-1 in the second round, the Town took the lead against the Kickers with a scrambled goal from Michael Shamola.

The youung Hatters stuggled to keep possession for long enough to consistently threaten the Stuttgart goal, and after several near misses, the German side equalised with three minutes remaining.

Just as it looked as though the game was heading to penalties, a great piece of individual play from the Stuttgart winger led to a German winner with just seconds remaining.

Luton bravely bounced back from this disappoinment with the outstanding display of the tournament in the third/fourth place play-off.

Facing German Third Division side Rot-Weiss Essen, the Hatters cruised to a 6-0 victory with a hat-trick from Michale Shamola and goals Alex Taylor, Arthur Lee and Sam Gibson.

More importantly the game showed the passing and movement style of football that allowed individuals to shine.

The Under-12s found the tournament harder going after being entered within the Under-13 section, and despite good individuals displays failed to qualify for the second round.

The Under-11s were coached by Jon De Souza and Martin Bradshaw, and De Souza reflected on the groups' performance.

He said: "The boys were exceptional throughout the weekend on and off the pitch. A tough schedule of games meant that they were tested physically and mentally, but they responded excellently.

"They learnt important lessons on the pitch concerning their passing, movement and defensive responsibilities, but most important were the lessons learnt off the pitch.

"The boys not only learnt how to win a final, but also how to respond to losing a final."

And the Hatters' Youth Development Officer Gregg Broughton congratulated the squads on another terrific weekend in Europe for the Club:

He said: "It was a valuable experience for all three sides and it is great to see how players respond when they are out of their comfort zone.

"Most blossomed, showing the strength of character needed to become a professional footballer, and it also showed up one or two players who we need to work with on their off-field preparation.

"I was particularly pleased for Freddie Hinds who has had a great season so far for the Under-11s and was immense throughout the tour.

"The Under-12s found the physical aspect of the tour very tough playing up a year and this has highlighted areas for individuals to continue their development."