'We've won more than a trophy'

When Liverpool's 'Ability Counts' side secured European success on Swiss soil it really was a case of T.E.A.M work.

The Reds emerged triumphant following some outstanding displays in the four team tournament held in Zurich on Saturday and it all stemmed from the foundations of their very own personal mantra.

"For us the word 'team' has a whole other meaning," Disability Liaison Officer, Colin McCall explained to Liverpoolfc.tv.

(Click on the play button below to watch more from the trip to Switzerland).

"We always say that it stands for, 'together each achieves more' and I think that was very evident in the way we played throughout the competition.

"The lads all worked hard for each other and the success they achieved was no more than they deserved."

The tournament was held in conjunction with the Swiss U16 Cup as a means to help promote awareness of disabled sport and social equality to youngsters.

The event is an evolution of the European Friendship camp that Liverpool's community team have attended over the course of the past four years.

"When we come to Switzerland it is never just about the football," continued McCall.

"We don't focus on being competitive - even though it was a competitive tournament. It's more about fun and participation. That's what we try to get across, but we know it's hard because our lads have a hunger to succeed.

"You could see the interaction between the four teams and that's vital for us. We really do like to emphasise how important the social side of things is.

"Hans-Peter Rothmund arranged the competition to run alongside the Swiss U16 Cup and he's someone we know well at Liverpool because he helps to host the pre-season training camp at Bad Ragaz.

"He's always keen to work on social projects and while the Swiss Cup is an elite tournament, his number one target is to work with the disabled children and adults.

"It was his idea to integrate a disabled tournament into the able-bodied one and that was just brilliant. That's something we would like to build on ourselves by developing some kind of integration programme."

The trophy triumph and bonds that were developed during the four day stay in Switzerland conclude what has been a more than satisfactory European adventure for the 'Ability Counts' squad.

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McCall believes the entire trip was a complete success and feels the players and coaching staff will always cherish their time in Zurich.

"We'll take away life long memories," he added. "They've all got so many pictures from all the places we've been to and they will never ever forget it.

"The lads who went on the first one four years ago still talk about it now and I think these guys will be doing the same when they look back at it in the years ahead."