2018 Caversham AFC Primary Schools Tournament

The 2018 Caversham AFC Primary Schools Football Tournament, took place at St Anne’s primary school on Thursday 14th June.
• Mini tournament in the morning for Years 4/3, and a
• Junior tournament in the afternoon for Years 6/5.

Mini tournament
8 schools competed this year, with Caversham Park, Caversham Primary, Micklands, St Anne’s, St Martin’s, Thameside, & The Hill all returning and for the first time we were able to welcome The Heights to our football family.

The weather was grey and dark clouds were never far away, but on the pitch it was colourful display of skill, team work and positivity.

I always ask my team to try their best and do not give until the end, and whilst it was evident in all the teams today, it was epitomised by 2 teams; The Heights & St Anne’s. The Heights, who had a team made up entirely of year 3 children, started slowly but battled and improved and when they achieved a draw against St Martin’s it was richly deserved. St Anne’s, who also battled throughout, saved their best till last and picked up a win in their final game.

Two teams were particularly strong this year, both winning 6 of their 7 games, which meant the trophy having to be decided on goals scored. Both teams were magnificent throughout and should be proud of their achievements, but the winners of Mini Shield 2018, scoring 17 goals, and conceding just one, were The Hill.

A very honourable second place, scoring 11 goals, were Caversham Park, with Micklands coming 3rd.

As with last year the referees found it hard to separate the schools for the Mini Fair Play Award, as every single school was magnificent and all played in a thoroughly sporting manner. A tough choice it was, but the referees were pleased to award it to Caversham Primary.

PREVIOUS MINI WINNERS
2017 Caversham Primary

Junior tournament
8 schools competed in the Junior event this year, with Caversham Park, Caversham Primary, Emmer Green, Micklands, St Anne’s, St Martin’s, Thameside, & The Hill all represented.

The grey clouds that loomed over the morning tournament were blown away, leaving us with a beautiful afternoon and football that sparkled in the sunlight.
The last two junior tournaments had developed in to a two horse race as the afternoon progressed, but this year every school was competitive throughout. Every team had at least one win to celebrate, and whilst the sun shone, the goals rained down – with each team scoring at least 5 goals.
Emmer Green were the only team to score in every game, St Martin’s went unbeaten throughout, and Thameside finished with 3 straight wins – but was it enough for them to lift the Junior Shield?

After 4 games each, St Martin’s held a narrow lead over Micklands and The Hill, but still had to play both teams, and whilst they drew again The Hill – that set up a possible winner takes all encounter with Micklands in their final game. A win for either side would see them pull clear of The Hill and win the Junior shield, but unfortunately neither side could break the deadlock and we had our first 0-0 draw of the afternoon.
This meant that the tournament went down to the final game (again) – a win for the Hill would see them leapfrog both St Martin’s and Micklands – but a loss or a draw would see St Martin’s crowned champions.
Caversham Primary stood in their way, but a 3-1 victory went to The Hill, and they become the winners of the Caversham AFC Junior Shield 2018.

St Martin’s claimed the runners up spot, and Micklands were 3rd.

This year’s Junior Fair Play Award went to Caversham Park, who were sporting and polite throughout and encouraging each other and friends in the opposing teams.

Once again a big “Thank you” to all the teachers of all the schools who supported their teams, but most of all congratulations to all the players who took part, as it was you that made this such a fantastic event.

PREVIOUS JUNIOR WINNERS

2003	Emmer Green
2004	Caversham Park
2005	The Hill
2006	Thameside
2007 & 2008	The Hill
2009 & 2010	Micklands
2011	Caversham Primary
2012 & 2013	were unfortunately cancelled due to bad weather and conflict with other events.
2014 & 2015	St Martin’s
2016 & 2017	Caversham Primary

Primary

Updated 16:00 - 30 Aug 2019 by Gary Welch