29thjune05G

Tuesday 28th June 2005

Girls set the standards

Gravesend and Northfleet Ladies Football Club ran a very successful Secondary Schools tournament yesterday, hosted by Northfleet School for Girls, writes Stephen McCartney.

On the day over 100 girls took part in this fantastic event with a round robin tournament for two age groups, years 7/8 and 9-10.

Club spokesperson Tina Martin said: "The tournament was a superb display of football, and proof that the standards of play amongst girls has greatly improved over the last few years and the interest in this sport is booming amongst schools and local clubs."

The tournament was supported by Nationwide Conference club, Gravesend & Northfleet's football in the community scheme.

Their community officer, Chris Baker was on hand for the tournament to offer support and advice.

"I was really impressed with the standards displayed in today's tournament and the level of commitment shown by the girls in all the games," he said.

Baker will be organising community summer schemes for the Fleet during the summer holidays and is hoping that girls take advantage of this opportunity as well as boys.

For further details on summer schools please contact Chris Baker at the club on 01474 533 796.

Gravesend and Northfleet's community scheme kindly provided the trophies for the winners and runners up in each group, and first team player Luke Moore was on hand to congratulate the players and hand out the trophies and certificates to all participants.

In years 9/10 it was Northfleet School for girls and Swanley School that won their groups and earnt a place in the final.

After an excellent display of football from both teams, in an exciting end to end game, the teams were locked at 0-0 and penalties were organised to decide the winners.

It was Swanley School that came out on top with a very close finale, winning 5-4 on penalties.

In years 7/8 groups hosts Northfleet School for girls and Gravesend Grammer for girls shone through and achieved final placing.

Gravesend Grammer won this battle 3-0 to claim the trophy.

Gravesend and Northfleet Ladies Football Club are keen to get more girls and women involved in football and are setting up a reserve team this season to offer more opportunities to players in the area.

If you are interested in getting involved please contact Tina Martin on 07732 148 011.

You can visit their website:
www.intheteam.com/gravesendladiesfc

Last season the team were called AEI Gravesend, but after joining up with the Fleet, the team, now called Gravesend & Northfleet Ladies, will be wearing the same colours (red and white) as the Nationwide Conference side.