JFT EASTER WEEKEND REVIEW 2002  

 More than 60 teams descended on Mablethorpe for the Junior Football Tours East Coast Cup Tournament and win, lose, or draw, everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.

 Having settled in to the Haven Caravans at Golden Sands on Thursday afternoon the teams spent the evening bonding the team group in the entertainment complex ready for Friday’s football.

 A strong group of ten U9 teams took part at Sutton FC on the Friday. The first semi final was won 3-0 by Louth Old Boys (Lincs) against Priory Celtic (Notts). The second semi was much tighter and despite both sides going close it was Church Warsop (Mansfield) who won through on penalties at the expense of Sandiacre Town (Derbys). Louth produced a superb display of passing football to win the final 3-0.

 In the Sunday U9 competition at Theddlethorpe, Netherfield Colts (Notts) were unlucky in the semi against Sandiacre and Church Warsop knocked out Friday’s winners Louth Old Boys. Redfern netted the only goal for Sandiacre Town who beat Church Warsop in the final.

 At U10 on the Saturday there were plenty of goals in the group stages but both semi finals were decided by penalties, Hucknall Rolls (Notts) beat Cherry Colts (Lincs) and Immingham got the better of Sandiacre Town. Hucknall were victorious in the final beating Immingham 2-0.

 Hucknall enjoyed their Saturday night celebrations and not surprisingly failed to perform to the same level in the Sunday Tournament. Sandiacre Town remained unbeaten in both competitions but had to settle for third place. The Sunday League winners were Discoveries (Grimsby) and runners up were Cherry Colts of Lincoln.

 The U11’s competitions were dominated by some cracking matches between local side Theddlethorpe and Warsop Wanderers (Mansfield). Theddlethorpe took the title both days ahead of Warsop, but the Mansfield boys won the ‘B’ comp ahead of Spilsby Juniors (Lincs).

 The U8s played in league formats in both Saturday and Sunday competitions. The Saturday event was very tight. Bestwood (Notts) proved very hard to beat and Skegby Colts (Mansfield) didn’t concede any goals but were pipped into third place. The top two both won 3 and drew 2 matches with Clee Kestrels (Grimsby) just finishing ahead of Calverton (Notts) on goals scored.

 At the end of each daily competition, quality trophies were presented to the successful teams and a special presentation was held on the Sunday evening. Junior Football Tours Football Director Kevin Cooper thanked the team managers for helping to ensure that EVERY match kicked off at the time advertised. In addition, every player staying the weekend received a large trophy to the cheers of the hundreds of people packed in to the club.

 The weekend was not just about winning - it was about providing an enjoyable weekend for all the players, and at the end of the night all of the teams were already planning their Junior Football Tours trip for next year.

Home Page