Gravesham Girls U13 End of Season Tour to Bognor
Tour Summary

Travelling to Bognor in the Loveday mobile was an experience but with acres of space in the back it meant everything we needed for a great weekend of football and fun was on hand. We arrived late at about 9pm, located our room and went next door to find the J2Os already flowing. After unpacking, the girls went exploring and in search of boys teams.

Saturday came and we eagerly drove the 5 yards up the road to the local College campus where the pitches looked in pristine condition. I was first to check in and sadly had to advise the happy hosts that our U12s would not be joining us.

As Tower Hill Vixens awaited, the girls looked splendid in their GGFC kit as cameras started snapping. The advertising banners were emblazoned along the boundary fence and the gazebo stood tall unaware of what the weather had in store for it !! All set for the off with Amy tangoed in goal. The first game was about as exciting as the England v USA opener although the girls battled really hard to earn a 0-0 draw. A point as they say, is better than none eh Fabio.

In the second match against Tigers JFC we started to play some 6-a-side stuff and deservedly took the lead through Lacey. We then let the oppo equalise before disaster struck as Nicole fell awkwardly, twisting her ankle. Despite this setback, probably through shock, Amy scored a second to put us in the lead. She then couldn’t breathe as Loveday let one rip (to save the day he raced to the Apartment to retrieve the Asthma pump). Lizzie then got a bloody nose from am flailing elbow and a floppy wrist from some unknown disease. Everything bar the kitchen sink was thrown at us in the second half, but we held firm to claim a great victory. As Nicole was ferried to the local Hospital, the remaining 5 took on Camberley Town Raiders losing 3-0 although to be fair the goals we gave away were very soft and the girls were probably only now reacting to the loss of Nicole. In the final game of the day, we played eventual winners Netherne Falcons. Tiredeness was beginning to set in and despite a valiant effort we lost narrowly 1-0 as they scored during a split second loss in concentration. All in all a reasonable days sport.

The evening was spent back on site, doing their hair, doing their hair again, touching up the makeup, doing their hair again and finally going to the amusement arcade. Not sure what the girls got up to though. Some of the parents hit the promenade looking for something to eat after chilling out, taking in the sea air or just sleeping. As Martin, Jackie, Steph and Michael enjoyed an eight course slap up meal at their local Hilton hotel, Manager Toon was last seen in the clubhouse dancing on the chairs, mic (empty beer bottle) in hand, performing a rendition of an old Queen number.

As Sunday came, so did the rain and the return of the Witham. Buoyed by their return to full strength, the girls took to the battle fields against LTD Wildkatz and won their first game 2-0 with goals from Amy and Lizzie. With a long gap between the games, the favoured option was to seek shelter from the leaking gazebo in the college administration areas. The rest of us hardened souls stayed outside monitoring the opposition through the gauze of the gazebo sides. As the ref blew his whistle to start the final game against Littlehampton, we were still potentially in with a shout of winning. The game was frantic, the ball slippery but Tilly in goal was defiant. Chances came and went at both ends until a great move was finished by Amy with her third goal of the Tournament, giving us the well deserved victory.

Alas our efforts were in vain as we spied the results table which showed we had finished third, five point behind the winners. A fantastic effort by all the players each of whom took their turn in goal with Georgina not touring. We bid cheerio to Ellen who was transported home after her exhausting efforts as Captain. Back in camp, some went swimming others washed their hair, blow dried their hair, did their hair, did more to their hair and then went in search of the boys to find out how they got on in their matches. After a marvellous culinary effort and a disappointing Sunderland defeat to Man U, Manager Toon and his team took their places in front of the stage and were called up to receive their participation trophies from Sir Geoff Hurst and Casey Stoney, a fantastic memory for them all to have in their ‘locker’. The rest of the evening was spent chilling out.

As the camp was evacuated on Monday morning Messrs Loveday and Manager Toon strolled along the seafront with Lizzie and Amy in search of butties, tea and mini golf. A final Sunday paper full of chips was consumed before an uneventful journey home.

Well done to the girls for their sterling efforts (very proud), those parents who helped to organise and the parents and girls in general for their company during the weekend.

http://www.footballfestivals.co.uk/

For all the results, follow the above link, choose Fixtures / Results and then select Bognor Mayday and U13 Girls.

Manager Toon

 

 

 

 

 

ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS 2009/2010 SEASON

UNDER 10's

Player of the Year - Imogen
Manager's Player of the Year - Freja
Sportswoman of the Year - Karis

UNDER 12's

Player of the Year - Tatjana
Manager's Player of the Year - Maya
Sportswoman of the Year - Kelsey

UNDER 13's

Player of the Year - Amy
Manager's Player of the Year - Elizabeth
Sportswoman of the Year - Chloe

UNDER 15's

Player of the Year - Charlotte
Manager's Player of the Year - Sarah
Sportswoman of the Year - Anastasia

LADIES

Player of the Year - Alex Witham
Manager's Player of the Year - Jodie Conroy
Sportswoman of the Year - Nicole McQuade

LONG SERVICE AWARDS - 5 YEARS

Rebekah R
Kayleigh E
Nicole W
Amy T
Tilly F
Ellen O
Charlotte G
Dominique P

LONG SERVICE AWARDS - 10 YEARS

Faye Drummond
Laura Reilly
Rebecca Dyer

CHAIRMAN'S AWARD

Amy Taylor