AFC Preston were represented by the Under- 8s and Under-10s at the inaugural Springhead Girls football tournament on July 8.
Our Under-8s played at the tournament with eight players. The girls had a slow start to the tournament. With four of the girls relatively new to the team and three of them only in Year 2, they gelled remarkably well as a team.
All of the girls did their best against some tough and mostly older teams, with debutant Sienna enjoying her first tournament and a few successful stints in goal. Emily took the Player of the Day award for some very determined runs and some great defensive tackles. The best game of the day for them was their last, as they started to show more teamwork and determination.
Three draws and two wins saw the Under-10s through to the semi-final to face us through to the final to face Malet Lambert. The game was dominated by our girls, but the ball would not go in the net! Some excellent penalties and saves saw us through to the final to face Elloughton.
It was a really spirited performance from our girls, but unfortunately, a good Elloughton goal saw them take the win. Congratulations, Elloughton.
There was so much to be pleased with. We conceded only one goal all tournament, what a statistic! Strong goalkeeping and a rock- solid defence – take a bow, girls.
There was some serious hard work put in by our midfield, who ran their blood to water (we would have loved to have had a GPS tracking Izzy!).
Hannah worked hard up front, and then put her hand up to go in goal when needed – no complaints, just rolled her sleeves up and got on with it for the good of the team. Excellent attitude and team player.
Also pleasing was seeing the girls being more aggressive and physical. I could see them trying to do what they’d worked on in training on Wednesday and did so to good effect.
Most of all, they really gelled as a team. I loved seeing the fist bumps and high fives when we scored, and the shouts of support for each other for a good clearance, tackle or run. Bigging each other up for penalties, care for Esmé when she got hurt and celebrating each other’s efforts generally.
Eric always bangs on about attitude and effort, and both were in abundance. They really are a wonderful bunch of kids. Congratulations, girls, keep it up!
- AFC Preston Ladies and Girls are looking for new players to add to our Under-8s squad for next season (Year 2 and Year 3 in September) and also our Under-9s team (Year 4 in September). Training is currently on Wednesdays from 5-6 pm at Holderness Academy. Please message the Facebook group AFC Preston Ladies and Girls for more information.
