Pro Touch SA line up with Washington’s Crossfire Select FC as the two youth football teams met at Market Road – Pro Touch won 7-1 on the artificial pitches

THE hospitality only stretched so far on Saturday when a squad of wannabe professional footballers from across the capital entertained a team from the United States.

In fact, the generosity seemed to run out every time Pro Touch SA were in front of goal as they beat Washington’s Crossfire Select FC 7-1 at the pitches in Market Road, Islington.

Hotshot striker Adriano Banton, 14, who lives in Clerkenwell, stole the show with a lethal display of finishing, scoring four goals to cap a player-of-the-match performance.

Teammates Mordecai Sanya, Dhul Qarnayn and Laben Bonny also grabbed a goal each for George Bale’s free-scoring Under-15s side.

Striker Adriano Banton, who scored four goals

Describing the friendly as a “great success”, Pro Touch founder Ash Rahman said: “We’ve had a really good relationship with XL Travel for more than 15 years, and once or twice a year they’ll bring sides over from the United States and we’ll arrange a big match.

“It’s a great experience for all the players involved, and gives them the opportunity to showcase their skills on the international stage.

“The fixtures are always really entertaining, and on Saturday the standard was exceptionally high.

“What pleased me the most was that the Pro Touch players played with great poise; they didn’t rush their passes, they played out patiently from the back and controlled the game. It was a really impressive display from all the boys.”

Pro Touch SA is currently recruiting players aged six to 15 years old for the 2025/26 season. For more info and to arrange a trial email trials@protouchsa.co.uk or contact Chris Franco on 07495 448 014.