Wembley dream could be reality
One-hundred-and-sixty girls from 15 Maidstone primary schools were at the Gallagher Stadium on Monday for an under-11 tournament that could lead to Wembley.
Winners Allington will go forward to represent Maidstone United in the regional finals in May and, if successful there, it’s hoped the national finals will be held at Wembley in June.
The tournament, organised by the Stones Community Trust, saw Allington beat Archbishop Courtenay 2-0 in a close final. After coming through the group stages and quarter-finals, Archbishop Courtenay had seen off Greenfields in the first semifinal, with Allington getting past Roseacre.
Bryn Price, of sponsors Safer Kent, presented trophies and medals to the finalists.
Mike Littleboy, chairman of the
Stones Community Trust, said: “I am so proud of the girls, they represented their schools so well. “They showed skill and determination, enjoyment and sportsmanship. Schools and parents should be so proud of them. They were a credit to their school.”
It was the first time the trust, the charitable arm of Maidstone United, had organised a girls’ football tournament.
They were helped on the day by Stones academy and women’s team players, while the Kent FA provided female referees.
Such was the success of the tournament, which was opened by Mayor of Maidstone Cllr Fay Gooch, it will become an annual event on the trust’s calendar.
“What we’ve seen today is indicative of the number of girls who want to play football,” said Stones Community Trust trustee Mike Cogger.
“That’s been commented on by a number of teachers. “What’s also very interesting is how much fun they’re all having and how much they’re enjoying it. “Schools are recognising the girls’ sporting ambitions, which is good, and the trust will continue to do that.
“There’s so much enthusiasm.” Allington join Hunton, winners of October’s mixed tournament, at the regional finals, while the trust are working towards hosting a Mini World Cup at the Gallagher in October, which will see schools represent different countries. Wellbeing People, Europa Sports and the National League Trust, organisers of the regional and national finals, joined Safer Kent in sponsoring the tournament. Schools taking part were: Aylesford, Archbishop Courtenay, North Borough, Laddingford St Mary’s, More Park, Brunswick House, Allington, West Borough, Harrietsham, Roseacre, Hunton, Greenfields (two teams), Tiger, Marden, St John’s.