The 14th Annual Football Tournament for primary schools in the Diocese was held at St Mary’s Sports College, Cranbrook Avenue, Hull on Saturday 22nd May 2010. This was the fourth time that the event had been held in Hull (St Mary’s 02, 07 and 2010 and St Richard’s, Hull 1999).

As many people will know, this is a six-a-side football tournament designed specifically for pupils in Year 6 and incorporates separate boys and girls competitions. As in previous years, the support and participation of our primary schools was excellent with 81 teams (48 boys and 33 girls – around 600 children in total) from 38 schools in the Diocese present, from Middlesbrough, York, Market Weighton, Pocklington, Scarborough, Beverley, Guisborough, Loftus, Ampleforth, Redcar, Bridlington, Northallerton and many places in between, with of course, all seven of our Catholic primary schools in Hull fielding boys and girls teams.

Preparations for the event had gone well with, as on previous occasions, St Mary’s staff being wonderfully receptive and supportive, indeed nothing was too much trouble. In addition, the network of Hull primary schools played a significant and key role being tasked with a good deal of logistical support which they tackled with great energy and determination.

Twenty four referees, all from Hull (except two who travelled from Middlesbrough), of all ages (14 to 64) and levels of experience, officiated during the many matches, displaying assertive control, fairness and good humour throughout. As one commentator stated, ‘the referees were a credit to their sport, themselves and to their city’.

As usual, the Tournament was played in groups initially, with the top two teams in each progressing to the knock out stages. The entire day progressed in wonderful sunshine with the whole site a riot of colour, noise and excitement, creating a wonderful atmosphere, until it was determined which schools would book their place in the KO stages.

Hopes were high that a school from Hull could pull off a great victory on home soil; in the boys competition, however St Richard’s ‘A’ were unfortunately drawn against St Mary Queen of Martyrs, also of Hull, with the latter winning through to the last eight. Endsleigh Holy Child beat St Wilfrid’s, York to also progress while St Vincent’s overcame St Bernadette’s, Middlesbrough.

In the last eight, St Mary Queen of Martyrs beat St Paulinus, Guisborough to claim a place in the semi final, and Endsleigh Holy Child overcame St Augustine’s of Middlesbrough, while St Vincent’s went out against St Benedict’s, Redcar, 3-1 on penalties.

Both of the remaining Hull schools avoided each other in the semis but Endsleigh Holy Child were knocked out by St Joseph’s, Loftus, who then went on to play and to lose to St Benedict’s, Redcar in the final after they had beaten St Mary Queen of Martyrs.

St Benedict’s, Redcar are therefore the boys champions for 2010.

In the girls competition two of the Hull schools teams made it through to the last sixteen, ie St Thomas More ‘B’ who were then knocked out by St Mary’s, Grangetown, Middlesbrough and Endsleigh Holy Child ‘A’ who progressed further at the expense of St Patrick’s, Thornaby (2-0). However, Endsleigh had a mighty task on their hands against St Benedict’s, Redcar, who beat them 2-0 in the last eight and who then went on further to defeat Our Lady, Acomb in the semis and Corpus Christi, Middlesbrough in the final.

St Benedict’s, Redcar are girls champions for 2010.

This is the first time that both boys and girls teams from the same school have won their separate competitions on the same day. Our congratulations to all concerned.

A wonderful day all round and St Mary’s and the Hull Primary Schools were excellent and generous hosts. All teams played in a competitive but sporting spirit.

The Tournament is due to be held in the north of the Diocese in 2011, York in 2012, before returning to Hull in 2013.

Overall Results

Winners of the boy’s competition – St Benedict’s, Redcar ‘A’
Runners Up – St Joseph’s, Loftus

Winners of the girl’s competition – St Benedict’s, Redcar
Runners Up – Corpus Christi, Middlesbrough

Knights of St Columba Fair Play Trophies – Boys: St Pius X, Middlesbrough
(sponsored by Council 29, Middlesbrough) – Girls: St Gerard’s, Middlesbrough
The Bishop O’Brien Best Banner Award – St George’s, Scarborough

The Catena Shield for the Most Original Pennant – St Joseph’s,
(sponsored by the Catenian Circles of the Diocese) – Middlesbrough

The Mike McCullagh Memorial Cup – St Clare’s, Middlesbrough
(in pursuit of excellence)

Twelve spot prizes were also awarded to players at random during the day.

And every child participating in the Tournament (nearly 600 in total) received a commemorative medal.

Tony McAvoy

Tournament Co-ordinator

Photographs courtesy of Bernard Swift