23 teams from across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey and Hertforshire entered the Maidenhead U13 and U12 Girls home tournaments on Sat 6th July and Sunday 7th July 2019. For the first time ever both the U13 and U12 were tournament winners – Double Champions.
The U13/U12 full squad of c14 players were magnificent in their commitment, hard work and skillful play. Their control, physicality when needed, accuracy and power was what made the difference in a number of tight matches and also won them 2 penalty shootouts in knock-out phases.
Maidenhead U13 Girls (Blue) were undefeated, not conceding any goals in normal time, beating 2 strong Denham teams in the Semi Final and Final (1-0) to be crowned champions for the first time at this age group. (Last year the girls lost in the final on pens to a very strong Ascot team.) What was even more impressive is that both U13 teams had no substitutes available and one player coming back from a 3 day illness. Coach Andy had these words at the end “I am now retired – cannot take the pressure anymore” (he’s kidding, and of course the girls won’t let him retire)
Maidenhead U12 Girls (White) were also undefeated, didn’t concede a goal in normal time and won the final in style with a stylish and comfortable 2-0 victory following an easy 3-0 Semi Final win. Teams conquered included Marlow, Epsom and Ewell, Berkhampstead, Ruislip and Wargrave. It’s worth noting that this age group have now won their age group 3 years in a row Can they both do it again next year?!
It’s simply impossible to call out individuals as it was a massive effort from the U13/12 whites and the blues to support each other, with help from a number of Under 11s playing up in the U12s too. To have clean sheets across the board was super impressive for all the GKs too. To put out 2 teams at each age group and be competitive in both teams was great to see and meant all the girls who were available got lots of match/play time. A number of coaches from other teams were also very complimentary about the girls play and attitude.
The tournament generally was a huge success with c 250 teams overall visiting, with U13/12 parents Jennie and Steve running the results and website and volunteer management respectively. Many other U13/12 parents and spouses did big volunteering shifts too mowing, running the car park and refreshments and putting up goals. Thanks to everyone involved. A real team effort. The girls also enjoyed the sunshine, playground, BBQ, sweets and ice creams….and the football of course
Last training this Friday 12th July before a 4/5 week summer training break.
