Erkan wins the Fair Play way

Turkish youth international Erkan Ferin crowned a memorable year at the recent UEFA Youth Conference in Cyprus, collecting the Fair Play award for this summer's UEFA European Under-17 Championship - an achievement made all the more special as his side went on to win the tournament.

Memorable year
The Galatasaray SK defender captained his side to success in Italy in May, Turkey bouncing back from losing their opening match of the tournament to go all the way to the final, where they defeated the Netherlands 2-0. The new European champions also performed well at the subsequent FIFA U-17 World Championship in Peru, reaching the last four before losing a thrilling semi-final to Brazil and then losing to the Netherlands in the third-placed play-off, leaving Ferin reflecting on a memorable 12 months.

'Great pride'
"It's been a great year," the 17-year-old told uefa.com after being presented with the Fair Play award by Jim Boyce, chairman of UEFA's Youth and Amateur Football committee. "Before the European Championship we were told that if we followed the Fair Play rules we would be successful, and we managed to do that and became champions. It gives us great pride to have won the tournament playing the right way; I collected the Fair Play award on behalf of my team-mates, coaches and country."

Ever present
Erkan played all eleven games as Turkey progressed from the qualifying round - where they drew 1-1 with the Dutch - all the way to the final. "The European Championship was a great moment and something no one involved with the team will ever forget," said the defender, who also savoured the experience of the U-17 World Championship. "After becoming European champions, we expected to do really well in Peru and managed to achieve that. Of course, we could have done better but we were very happy to be the fourth best side in the world. The Netherlands are a good team, although our technical ability is a little higher than theirs, but they are very strong, so there is no shame in losing to them.

Strong spirit
"There was a real improvement in our team this year; it was a great experience for all of us, and I gained a lot from it," he said. "I've learned to respect the Fair Play rules, which improves your performance as you can focus fully on the game. What was really notable at both tournaments was the friendship between the players; after each game, everyone was congratulating each other and wishing them luck, which taught me a lot about sportsmanship."

Galatasaray progress
Erkan then returned to club duty and expects to sign his first professional contract with Galatasaray early next year. "I've learned a lot from the tournaments this year and it's gone well at Galatasaray so far; I've used all my experiences and I'm now on the right track," he said. "I learn more every day. I'm in the youth team at Galatasaray and once I sign professional terms, I'll be heading in the right direction."

Sahin shines
One of Erkan's international team-mates, Nuri Sahin, has raced ahead of his contemporaries in that respect, having already made his international debut - and scored within three minutes of his introduction against Germany in October - and become the youngest scorer in the Bundesliga with BV Borussia Dortmund. "Nuri is an extremely technically gifted player and I have a lot of admiration for him," Erkan said. "A player like him comes along in Turkey every ten years. But we can all impress; we need to get the chance and we can improve."