Goal frenzy at five-a-side tournament

With the football relentlessly pounding the back of the net, ten junior teams packed with outstanding local talent ensured there were goals-a-plenty during a thrilling Wakefield and District Housing (WDH) Inter-District Housing Tournament.

The tournament, held at Featherstone Sports Club during the school holidays, featured teams from each of the five WDH areas, with eventual winners South Kirkby Colliery claiming the winners trophy – thanks only to an accidental own-goal by luckless rivals Castleford Town.

WDH Tenant Involvement Officer Becky Lane said that the decision to hold a tournament for 12 to 14 year olds featuring teams from across the district came from an original idea by a local Featherstone team who just wanted some practice during the school holidays.

“A big part of the WDH philosophy is about engaging young people, particularly during school holidays,” explains Becky, “so we took the original idea to hold a little practice run and developed it into a full-blown one-day cup competition!”

After the final whistle WDH Operations Director Steve Rawson thanked the players, coaches and organisers of the tournament before presenting every participant with a commemorative medal, followed by the WDH Champions Trophy to the victorious South Kirkby Colliery.

“Everyone here today should be proud of what they achieved,” said Mr Rawson. “This tournament has been an outstanding success and WDH is proud to be associated with all the fair play and skill on display here today.”

Spectators estimate that over 20 goals were scored in just over three hours of play – even though some of the area’s best junior teams were taking part.

Much needed half-time refreshments during the frenetically-paced five-a-side competition were provided by the NHS Five-a-Day team who were on-site promoting healthy eating and exercise among local youngsters.

WDH hopes to run a similar event next year.