Fourteen teams from around Yorkshire took part in the event which was organised by Frickley Academy. The Academy is the recently formed junior section of the Evo-Stik League Premier Division club and is led by Academy Manager Allan Howcroft, who is also a scout for Sheffield United.

A large crowd witnessed some fine action in the gala last week, which was won in the end by Dearne and District. For three hours teams battled it out under lights for a place in the last four.

After some fantastic football, Frickley’s own under 9 Blues side topped their group to advance to the semi-finals. They were joined in the penultimate stage by Dearne and District, Warmsworth Lions 8s and Darfield Blues. Frickley Yellows, despite their best efforts were unable to join their Blue clubmates in the last four.

Warmsworth Lions 8s took on Frickley in the first semi-final and took the lead through a first-half Thomas Bergin strike. Frickley had a few attempts in the opening period but went in one-down at the break.

However, Frickley piled on the pressure after the break and were rewarded when James Kirkham fired in an equaliser. They could have taken the lead just before the end, but saw the crossbar deny them. The game went to penalties and the sides were deadlocked at 4-4 after five spot kicks each. Warmsworth scored their next penalty and when Frickley’s effort slipped past the post, the Doncaster side booked their place in the final.

The other semi-final between Dearne and District and Darfield Blues also went to penalties after the sides drew 0-0 in normal time. At the end of the dreaded penalties Dearne scraped through 4-3 to set up a final meeting with Warmsworth.

The final proved to be a thrilling encounter with both sides going for the win from the outset. Dearne produced some excellent football, cheered on by their large support inside the Westfield Lane stadium. Charlie Winks put them ahead in the first half and then doubled the advantage before the break with a fine goal.

The tempo was upped in the second half as Warmsworth attempted to get themselves back in contention. That determination paid off when Rylee Grove fired home a goal to give Lions some hope. They continued to press but Grove was denied an equaliser, handing Dearne a deserved victory on a 2-1 scoreline.

As well as lifting the trophy, Dearne have also won themselves a day at Sheffield United’s Academy and 60 tickets to an nPower League One game in January.

The Academy is staging a second gala – for under 11 sides – this Friday, November 22nd. Action gets under way at 6pm at Westfield Lane. Admission is £2 with a programme. All are welcome to come along and cheer on the players. Hot and cold snacks will be available.