Girls Shine in Oakwood Summer Tournament
Oakwood Youth Girls section hosted their second annual all girls six-a-side tournament at the weekend with teams descending on Tinsley Lane from East & West Sussex as well as from out of County.
Thirty teams and over two hundred girls competed from under ten through to under fifteen. Despite some inclement weather, the atmosphere throughout the day was enjoyed by players and spectators alike. In addition to the football the BBQ, bouncy castle and slide, refreshments, professional photographers, raffle for a team kit and a Managers penalty shoot out competition all helped to enhance the enjoyable experience.
The standard of football was outstanding and each league was highly competitive with teams battling it out to come through the group stages into the semi-finals.
Oakwood Youth had a successful competition with the Under 10’s getting all the way to the final only to lose out to a very strong Croydon Borough side. The Under fifteen’s entered two teams and both made it to the semi-final stages. Oakwood Red made it to the final by beating Pevensey and Westham whilst the Oakwood Black team lost their semi to group stage winners Seahaven Harriers. The final between Oakwood Red and Seahaven was a tight game decided by a single goal that meant the hosts finished as runners up.
The highlight of the afternoon for the Oakwood Club was in the under twelve division where the team ran out eventual winners. Having played seven other teams to get to the semi-finals the Girls played local rivals Maidenbower United in a close game that went to extra time and penalties. Oakwood held their nerve to progress to the final against Southdown Tigers. In another close game the winning goal was scored late on by Elese Badjada to win the trophy and send the home support wild.
All trophies were presented by two representatives from Chelsea Ladies, and England internationals, Becky Jane and Shelby Hills.
Jane Kirkham, Oakwood Youth Girls Secretary, said, “This has been a roaring success, both on and off the pitch for Girls football. So many people have commented on a fabulous tournament and the fact that it is one of only a handful of Girls Only tournaments in the County, supported by Chelsea Ladies, has meant a great deal.”
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