Blackpool FC Community Trust held an end of season Under 16’s 7aside football tournament at Bloomfield Road on Saturday 9th June. Local grass roots clubs Thornton Cleveleys, Clifton Rangers and YMCA all entered two teams and Blackpool FC Community trust filled up 3 development teams playing in the clubs kit. Blackburn Rovers Community Trust were also invited in to play.
The event saw over 80 players enjoy a competitive tournament over two groups. The top two teams from each group would qualify to the knockout stages. The day saw some great goals and some exciting football being played. (See the video below).
Thornton Cleveleys were the winners from group 1 which saw them take on YMCA (A) who finished runners up in Group 2. Thornton won this game 1-0 with extra time needed. The winners from Group 2 Clifton Rangers (B) took on YMCA (B) from group 1 who qualified on goals difference meaning Clifton Rangers (A) team narrowly missed out. Clifton Rangers (B) team ran out 3-1 winners despite YMCA playing some good football throughout the day.
Thornton would play Clifton Rangers (B) in the final of this year’s competition. Parents, families and friends gathered in the East and North stand at Bloomfield road in what would be an intense and nervy final. Thornton took the lead through Josh Woods but Clifton hit back later on in the game to equalise. Extra time could not separate the sides, so it was to be penalties that would decide the winners of this years competition.
Thornton went first and converted their first 3 penalties. They missed their fourth giving Clifton the advantage to take the lead having also scored all of their spot kicks. Thornton scored their last penalty but this meant that a goal for Clifton would see them win the competition. Denny Cain who captained the Clifton side stepped up and converted the penalty that made Clifton Rangers the winners of this years competition.
Football Development Officer Alex Taylor said, “It was a really enjoyable day to be a part of and thanks go to the clubs coaches for voluntarily attending and organising their players to attend despite being the end of their season. The lads thoroughly enjoyed a short break from revision and exams to play some really good football throughout the competition.”
For more information on Blackpool FC Community Trust, visit www.blackpoolfccommunitytrust.co.uk or call 01253 348691.
