U12's Football Tournament 2024

U12s Football Tournament 2024

• Picture the scene: 8:45 on a cloudy day in mid-May, a dozen or so “hi-viz” clad Rotarians ambling around the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire’s Sports Arena in Preston.  Their objective to prepare for the influx of over 30 teams of footballers from schools across Lancashire to compete in the largest U12’s Football Tournament ever undertaken by the Rotary Club of Preston South.  

• To reflect the growing involvement of girls in football the Tournament comprised separate competitions for both boys and girls. The teams played in leagues of 5/6 in a round-robin format with winners and runners-up progressing forward to knock-out stages of quarter, semi and final games.  The eventual boys winners were All Hallows RC High School from Penwortham with with an emphatic victory over Southlands High School from Chorley.  The girls tournament was won by Lytham St Anne’s High School after an enthralling penalty shoot-out with All Hallows RC girls.

• The trophies, medals and winner’s cheques were kindly presented by Mike Stringfellow from PNE Academy.  He remarked that the effort required to provide such a well organised event, which was evidently enjoyed by all participants, was a credit to the Rotary Club of Preston South. Rotarian Geoff Todhunter expressed the clubs thanks for the continuing financial support from District 1190, other Rotary Clubs and Lancashire County Council.  Thanks also go to all those that came along on the day to help with the organisation and support the teams.