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Cheltenham Youth League festival of football was ‘just fantastic’

Author: Roger Jackson, Posted: Tuesday, 3rd October 2017, 11:00

Rodborough v Bishop’s Cleeve Colts

The smiling faces told their own story. The first ever under-8 tournament run by the Cheltenham Youth Football League was a resounding success.

The festival of football – the brainchild of the league’s under-8s development secretary Martin Bliss – was played over two Saturdays at The Newlands in Bishop’s Cleeve, the home of Cheltenham Rugby Club.

Twenty-six teams and more than 200 youngsters took part and after the last ball was kicked every one of the players was presented with a medal.

“It was fantastic, just fantastic,” said league secretary Denise Pates. “All the kids really enjoyed it and so did the parents as well.

“A lot of hard work goes into organising events like this but it’s all worthwhile when you see the smiles on the faces of all the young footballers.”

The 26 teams were split into five groups and when all the matches had been completed there were a couple of penalty shootouts to determine the final group placings.

So how good were the youngsters from the penalty spot?

“Better than England,” laughed Denise.

Whether the youngsters hit the target or not the real winner was the game of football itself.

And the good news is that the youngsters – and their mums and dads – won’t have to wait too long for a second under-8 tournament organised by the league.

It will again be held at The Newlands over two Saturdays – on 25th November and 2nd December.

A third tournament will be held some time in March or April.

Other Images

Medals being received by Cinderford Town (getting up). The teams behind are Southside Lions, FC Lakeside Whites, Prestbury Phantoms Blues and FC Lakeside Blues

Rowanfield v Churchdown

Tewkesbury Town v Southside

Southside v Prestbury

Prestbury Phantoms on the attack

A penalty shootout for first place between Leckhampton and Bishop’s Cleeve

Penalty shootout for first place between Leckhampton and Bishop’s Cleeve

FC Lakeside v Cinderford Town

The teams of Bourton Rovers, Tewkesbury Town Colts, Southside Star Wildcats, Southside Star Panthers, Southside Star Pumas and Prestbury Phantoms Yellows

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Cheltenham Youth League festival of football was ‘just fantastic’

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