England Goalkeeper Hails LVS Ascot Girls Football Tournament A Great Success
24 Oct 2016
LVS Ascot was the focal point of national women’s football on Thursday 13th October as teams from thirteen counties descended on the school for an innovative tournament. The event drew praise from Reading FC and England goalkeeper Mary Earps who said: “There is a fantastic turn out with around 300 girls playing, and some really good football on show – it has been great to see”.
The independent school welcomed under 11, under 13 and under 15 teams from as far as Teesside and Cheshire to use its extensive sporting facilities, including some matches taking place on the all-weather pitch, with competitors also able to have their pictures taken with the Women’s FA Cup. LVS Ascot’s commitment to, and expertise in, quality sport made it the ideal venue for the Girls Football Tournament supported by the Independent Schools’ Association, and supported grass roots football at junior level during the F.A.’s Girls Football Week. LVS Ascot’s 25-acre site saw nine matches taking place simultaneously allowing over 300 girls to gain their first taste of competitive football in a friendly and welcoming environment.
Red House School made a 550-mile round trip from Teesside to play, and Head of PE Marie Sweeney was delighted with the decision: “We have had great fun and it is part of diversifying what we do – tournaments like this are not around in our area so thanks to LVS Ascot for hosting this”. Alderley Edge school in Cheshire made a 350-mile round trip and teacher Linda McConville said: “It has been a fantastic day, really well organised and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you to LVS Ascot for running such a great day”.
Mary Earps was joined by a second FA Women’s Premier League player at the event, Millwall Lionesses’ Sarah Quantrill, echoing LVS Ascot’s aim to inspire young people to exceed their expectations as they offered helpful tips to young players keen to learn.
Director of Sport John Percy said: “Sport is an integral part of life at LVS Ascot as it allows our really talented pupils to flourish and excel at their individual talents. Equally important is that it allows them to gain new experiences such as at today’s event, which fostered teamwork and saw girls from across the country playing competitively but in a fun environment which everyone could enjoy. Our sporting facilities here are excellent and I’m glad we could accommodate so many schools from across the country to share in our sporting ethos. It is testimony to the sports teachers here that such a big event drew a lot of praise from visiting schools for the organisation and atmosphere”.
St Joseph’s from Launceston won the U15 Cup, with LVS Ascot winning the Plate competition in the same age group. At U13 level Kew House School from Brentford won the Cup with Gosfield School from Essex claiming the Plate. The Under 11 Cup was won by Wooden Hill School in Bracknell, who defeated Park School in the final.
Photo: LVS Ascot girls lift the Women’s FA Cup