More girls’ teams than ever before took part in the Andover Girls’ Football Tournament this week. Supported by Lions in the Community and Harrow Way Community School, twelve excited teams arrived at Anton Junior School. The host school entered three teams while Balksbury Junior and Vigo Junior Schools each entered two teams. St Mary Bourne Primary, Knights Enham Junior, Roman Way Primary, Shipton Bellinger Primary and Portway Junior also sent teams to enjoy an afternoon of football and compete for the LITC trophy. The sun also arrived to welcome more than 100 girls, all ready to enjoy an afternoon of football and friendship.

With four teams in a pool, each team played each other before discovering who had qualified for the semi-finals. Team work and skilful football was evident from the start and continued throughout all eighteen pool matches. Andover schools should be proud of the progress they have made in the level of girls’ football that is now being played and the number of girls that are playing it.

Vigo A, Anton A and Vigo B progressed directly to the semi-finals as Pool winners. However, there was a tie for the best placed second position. This meant that St Mary Bourne and Knights Enham Junior had to play a tense ‘Golden Goal’ match on the Astro. Knights Enham scored quickly and earned a place in the final four playing Vigo A. Anton A were to play Vigo B.

Fifteen minutes later, Knights Enham found themselves in another ‘Golden Goal’ situation. This time, neither team could break through the other’s defence so it was time for a penalty shootout! The keepers wished each other ‘Good luck’, which summed up the sporting and extremely friendly atmosphere of the whole tournament, before three brave players stepped up to the spot.

Knights Enham and Vigo B had played extremely well but it was the two unbeaten teams, Anton A and Vigo A, who contested the final. Both physically strong with shots like rockets and excellent control of the ball, it was going to be difficult to divide the teams. However, Anton scored just before half-time to give them the advantage. The second half was another close encounter but, with confidence from being ahead, Anton were able to score a second and secure the title.

Lions in the Community referees were exceptionally impressed with the high quality of play and praised all the girls for their efforts. Whether they are continuing into Year 6 next year, or heading off to secondary school, they encouraged all to continue playing football: ‘Watch out for news of Cathy Devereux’s Girls’ Development Squad and a Girls’ Football League, to be run by Andy Staff and Dave Coombs. With this amount of opportunity, girls’ football can only go from strength to strength!’

Rhonda Salmon (Harrow Way Community School) wanted to say an extra thank you to Jack and Jenson. As Anton Junior Sports Leaders they did a fabulous job at the score table, with the equipment and pitch marshalling.

As a result of this win, Anton Junior School will now represent Andover at the Hampshire Games on 19th June.