Local School girls get the football bug

Primary school tournament a great success. 11 local schools from Formby, Southport and the surrounding area took part with 24 teams in total. 192 girls played their part in a total of 96 games with a mixture of experienced players and first timers. Only 1 team went unbeaten and for many girls it was their first experience of playing football. Organiser of the event Tina Hamilton said: ‘Formby Community FC was delighted with the day, especially with so many girls sampling football for their 1st time. The spirit it was played in was excellent. We had lots of smiles and fresh interest in the club it was a huge success, the girls seemed especially made up that parents and grandparents could all be involved at the same club.’ It was a chilly, overcast day at Formby Playsport this Thursday for the Formby Community FC Primary School Girls tournament; this however didn't keep anyone away. In the morning session 7 teams in the year 1and 2 age group took part, which was very tightly contested with only 1 point between the top 3 teams. It was St Luke’s who narrowly lost out but were delighted with their Bronze Medals. As Farnborough 2 and Scarisbrick Hall were both tied on points it meant a penalty shootout to decide the winner. Some great penalties were taken but Scarisbrick Hall just edged it with the keeper making some good saves. Farnborough 2 were consoled with Silver medals and Scarisbrick Hall delighted with Gold Medals and the Trophy. The year 3 and 4 section had 5 teams but played each other twice. This was also played to amazing standards with still no team remaining unbeaten, Larkfield and St Luke’s battled but didn't make the medals but were delighted with their certificates. Scarisbrick Hall were again in the medals, this time happy with Bronze. Our Lady of Lourdes gained the Silver medals and were the only team to beat the eventual winners Our Lady of Compassion. After a short break it was time for the afternoon session to begin, this was for the Year 5 and 6 girls, and had 12 teams competing for the cup. This was played to exceptional standards and appears to get better every year it's played. Several teams appeared to be in with a chance of winning but more importantly it was a mixture of experience and girls playing for the first time. Fun was had, teams mingled with each other when not on the pitch and lots of smiling girls supported by many parents and grandparents and younger siblings. St Jerome’s, St Luke’s and Our Lady of Compassion Belles narrowly missed out on medals finishing joint 4th. Larkfield Primary were happy with Bronze Medals and were only pipped to Silver by 1 point by Farnborough 1. Farnborough 1 gained the Silver medals and were the only team to take points from a strong Redgate team who were the only team out of 24 teams today to be undefeated. Tina added: ‘All the girls did themselves and their schools proud, this couldn't have happened without the continued support from Hugh McAuley and Formby Playsport who once again provided us the pitches with no charge and Liverpool County FA who provided the medals for the girls.’ For more details on how your children, pupils or you can get involved in grass roots football please contact Tina Hamilton: tinafcfc@outlook.com or check out www.formbycommunityfc.com