For the second year Tesco have supported the Cumberland FA Girls County Cups at Under 14 and 16 level to help increase the awareness and opportunities for girls to play football, both within the County and nationally.
This year’s competition final took place at Gillford Park, a fitting venue for two quality teams at the Under 16 age group cheered on by a good sized crowd. Crown Newlaithes and Harraby Catholic Club, both previous County U16 League winners over the past two seasons took to the pitch to contest the first final of the season. With the sun shining, both teams lined up to show their support for The FA’s Respect Campaign before shaking hands with the opposition before kick off.
The match was also a strong indication of the development work which has gone on within the County over the last few years as three female officials took charge of a Cumberland County Cup Final for the first time. Experienced Jill Ruddick refereed the match with Lucy Wright and Helen Watson as assistant referees. The number of female referees continues to increase in Cumberland, but the County is still looking for more to take charge of matches within the local Leagues.
The game was evenly matched during the first half, with Crown Newlaithes having the most clear cut chances. However, the Crown Newlaithes goalkeeper was kept busy making a good save from a free kick outside the area, while a goal line clearance from the Harraby Captain kept the score even at half time.
The teams took to the second half as the first had finished with an even contest giving the two teams plenty of chances. Crown Newlaithes took the advantage thanks to a well taken goal from Tasha Scott, before she completed her double making the game beyond Harraby following a header from a cross into the penalty area.
The game finished and was a credit to the girl’s game in the county. A well fought match was played in a good spirit with both teams showing sportsmanship without it losing the competitive edge.
The referee, referee assistants and the runners up Harraby Catholic were presented with their medals before the trophy was handed to the Crown Newlaithes captain.
Crown Newlaithes, chasing a domestic treble will now go on to represent Cumberland in the regional finals in Manchester on 25 April 2009. The Regional competition will bring County Cup winners together from the North of England to play for a place in the National finals involving Welsh, Scottish and Irish teams. The support from Tesco has enabled this size of competition to be available to girls, again showing the advancement in the game which is still the number one female sport in the Country.
The Cumberland FA would like to thank Gillford Park FC for their hospitality and efforts during the evening, as well as the many volunteers who gave up their evening to allow the County Cup Final to take place. Without these willing volunteers grassroots football would not be available to all, and Cumberland FA recognises the impact of those behind the scenes.
Jan Foster, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Tesco, said: “We created the Tesco Cup as part of a wider programme of activity to encourage young people to participate in sport. Football is hugely popular and a great way for children to keep fit. Coupled with our other sports programmes, we now believe that we have an activity for everyone”.
The Under 14 competition takes place between two teams from West Cumbria, showing the strength in depth of girl’s football in Cumberland.
For more information on playing, coaching or refereeing in the girls or women’s game, please contact Helen Aitchison, Girls & Women’s Football Development Officer on 01900 872310 ext. 21 or Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com