Football tournament is a roaring success...
MORE than 200 young girls had a day to remember as the second annual FC Burbage Lionesses tournament was hailed a huge success.
Following last year’s inaugural tournament, organisers from FC Burbage again came together to host a festival of football for girls’ sides from across the county.
Some 230 girls and 20 teams across age groups ranging from under-9s, under-10s, under-11s and under-12s competed in the event at Hinckley Road Recreational Ground in Burbage.
Part of FC Burbage, the Lionesses began life in July 2019 and have already grown from four to 80 girls, with seven sides registered for the forthcoming 2022-23 season.
With an army of parents on the day helping to sell programmes, raffle tickets and refreshments, co-ordinating age group fixtures and supporting referees, the tournament ran like clockwork and proved to be a huge success for all those involved.
As well as a success off the pitch, it was also a triumph for FC Burbage on the pitch, with the club’s under-11s winning their section of the tournament, and Izzy Wale and Elizabeth Byewater being voted players of the tournament for the under-11s and under-9s respectively.
Goalkeeper Lily Blyth was the captain of the triumphant under-11s team, following in the illustrious footsteps of her grandfather, former Coventry City keeper Jim Blyth, who said: “It was a fantastic day and congratulations to all those who took part and organised the event.
“It’s great to see the girls enjoying playing football and, on a personal note, it was fantastic to see Lily adding to her medal collection!”
It wasn’t just the players who enjoyed success on the pitch, as four budding young referees also embarked on their officiating journeys by taking charge of matches throughout the day.
FC Burbage under-15 players Charlie Nuttall, Arthur James, Morgan Tuitt and Lucas Adams all refereed games at the tournament – with Charlie taking charge of a match for the first time.
Ian Blyth, Lionesses Lead Coach, said the success of the day was down to an enormous team effort from the many volunteers involved with the club.
He said: “A lot of planning is needed before an event like this can take place and Sarah Nuttall and Emma Fish, lead coaches of the under-11s and under-12s were amazing support. Risk assessments, first aid kits, gazebos, referees, volunteers, pitches cut and marked out, the list goes on!
“Another big thankyou must go to Burbage Junior School, who opened their car park and allowed visiting parents to park their cars, reducing the impact on local residents.
“As well as the fantastic football being played, it was also great to see our four young lads embark on their refereeing pathway during the day, with all of them receiving great feedback.
“Respect is a core value at FC Burbage and the respect shown by parents, coaches and players was exemplary and something everyone should be proud of.”
The fantastic community event was sponsored by Adaptimise Consulting, The Pig in Muck, Aurora Managed Services, Kates Childminding, The Cross Keys Burbage, Lizi Beauty & Wellbeing and Northfield Wealth.
Eoin Russell, manager of the Cross Keys, Burbage, said: “We were delighted and very proud to be sponsors for such a brilliant local event. Well done to everyone involved in organising and to all the girls for taking part. We’re looking forward to next year already.”
The icing on the cake for the young footballers came when the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Councillor Dawn Glenville and her Consort Councillor Barry Walker were kind enough to present the awards on the day.
Every girl who participated received a medal, along with trophies for the winning teams and those voted as players of the tournament.
Tom Palmer, lead coach for Rugby Borough under-10s who took part in the tournament, said: “It was a tournament that was run flawlessly across four age groups, with a dedicated team of volunteers who were always helping and available.
“My team and all the parents had a great experience where grassroots football was championed. We hope to get an invite again next year. Thanks for a great day and experience for the girls.”
To find out more information about FC Burbage, visit FCBurbage. co.uk or search for FC Burbage on Facebook.