Clubs from all across the county gathered to the playing fields in Oxford Community School to take part in the day long tournament. Competitive leagues took place for U10, U12 and U14 girls teams while a festival format was offered for the U9 girls. Fair play awards were also available to receive, with players demonstrating sporting behaviour receiving a bag of football prizes. The recipient team of the Fair Play Award won the chance to play at Wembley Stadium!
The FA Charter Standard Tournament gave an opportunity for clubs who are raising standards the opportunity to play competitive small sided football in a fun, safe environment. It also provided an excellent platform for girls to show case their footballing talents to a wide audience which included England international winger Rachel Yankey!
Paul Chamberlain, manager of Summertown stars, commented "It was a real pleasure to attend a festival of football that wasn't centered so much on winning - the taking part and player development through fun and having a good experience, is far more important."
Also on offer for teams were skills coaching sessions that players, coaches and spectators could join in on. These provided a good insight for players to improve on their skills and also gave the coaches an opportunity to learn new coaching practices based around the new F.A Youth Awards.
Based on the success of the tournament the FA are already planning an even larger one for the season 2008/9. Teams that are interested in competing in next season’s tournament should contact Owain Prosser at owain.prosser@oxfordshirefa.com.
Full list of winners and runners up:
U9's Fair Play Award - Summertown Stars FC
U10’s Tournament Winners - Swindon Spitfires FC (2)
U12’s Tournament Winners - Bardwell Girls FC (1)
U14’s Tournament Winners - Kidlington Girls FC
For any information on Charter Standard Clubs and how to become one, please click here.