The third season of the Girls Football School Leagues were completed in June with a finals day held at Frenchfields, Penrith bringing together the qualifying teams from the earlier regional rounds.
Regional competitions took place from October 2008 to May 2009 in Carlisle, Kendal, Whitehaven and Aspatria giving over 500 girls the opportunity to play some regular school football. 58 teams from 25 secondary schools in Cumbria took part in the regional competitions in 3 age groups to determine the county finalists.
17 teams qualified for the finals day competing in the under 12, under 13 and under 15 age groups. The sun shone for the day and it was a fitting end to the school football season.
The following schools qualified and took part in the County Finals:
Under 12
Richard Rose Morton Academy
Queen Katherine
Richard Rose Central Academy
Millom
Solway
Queen Elizabeth School
Under 13
Kirkbie Kendal
St Benedict’s
Netherhall
Queen Katherine
Richard Rose Morton Academy
Trinity
Under 15
Richard Rose Central Academy
Queen Katherine
St Benedict’s
Richard Rose Morton Academy
Kirkbie Kendal
The afternoon of matches were very competitive with each age group going down to the last round of games before a winner was decided. As always in the county, the tournament was played in a friendly atmosphere. However this did not take away the fact that all teams were there to try and win and take the trophy back to their school.
The matches were refereed by young leaders from the competing schools. A number of budding referees were present, ensuring the pathway for all those involved in football were catered for during the afternoon.
The results of the 2009 School Leagues were:
U12: CHAMPIONS - Richard Rose Central Academy (Carlisle)
Runners Up – Queen Katherine School
U13: CHAMPIONS - Trinity School (Carlisle)
Runners Up – St Benedict’s (Whitehaven)
U15: CHAMPIONS - Queen Katherine School (Kendal)
Runners Up - Richard Rose Central Academy (Carlisle)
The Girls School Leagues run alongside the English Schools FA Cup competitions giving more girls the opportunity to play in competitive school football.
The girl’s game in the county continues to grow with more girls playing affiliated football than any other team sport.
To find a local club, please contact Helen Aitchison, Girls & Women’s Football Development Officer on 01539 730946 or Helen.Aitchison@WestmorlandFA.com