NAJFC hosted their football tournament on Sunday 28th August at Woodham Academy. After two previous cancellations due to bad weather this was the only date available and the club were mindful of the clash with the Great Aycliffe Show. Initially the tournament was going to be for 3 age groups and we were hoping to build on this for future years.
Unfortunately there were a number of late team cancellations so the tournament went ahead for only the Under 14 (2012/13 season). Nevertheless the day was a great success with sunshine, lots of great football and good sportsmanship all round. The teams entered were; NAJFC, NAYC, Ferryhill Town and 21st All Stars who stepped in at the last minute.
The format was a round robin and the home team NAJFC finished top of the group with 2nd place NAYC, 3rd place was Ferryhill and 4th 21st Allstars. The format was then for 1st and 2nd place to play in the final which was won 3-0 by NAYC who received the winners cup and the home team NAJFC winning the runners up cup.
3rd and 4th place play off was won by 21st Allstars who also scored 3-0 and were awarded the tournament plate. All those participating received a medal as a token for their hard work throughout the day. Many thanks to the tournament organiser Nige Slatcher (Slatch) who has rallied to get this played even when it looked like it would never happen.
Thanks to the referees of the day; Jack Slatcher and Ryan Farley who kindly agreed to alternate betwen refereeing and a linesman. A big thank you to all the helpers on the day (too many to mention) for helping set up, line mark, direct parking, printing programmes, working in the kitchen etc etc..
A massive thanks to Newton News for promoting the event and their continued support of the club. Thanks also to Woodspray Wood Finishings who sponsored all of the under 13’s tournament trophies and participation medals. Thanks also to the under 13’s trophy/medal sponsor J Butterfield and under 15’s trophy/medal sponsor Revolution Power. Whilst these age group tournament did not go ahead the trophies/medals will be utilised in the future.
Finally a thank you to Woodham Academy for allowing us to use their facilities and for all their support and patience due to cancelled dates.
Photo: NAYC winners (Black/Blue Strips) and NAJFC runners up (next to banners purchased from Newton Press at reduced cost).
