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Junior Alliance six-a-side summer tournament: one of the best in the country
After an absence of more than 10 years, the much loved Junior Alliance six-a-side summer tournament was back – this time at Chestnut Avenue and supported by the Peterborough FA – and more than 50 teams took part.
After an absence of more than 10 years, the much loved Junior Alliance six-a-side summer tournament was back – this time at Chestnut Avenue and supported by the Peterborough FA – and more than 50 teams took part.After an absence of more than 10 years, the much loved Junior Alliance six-a-side summer tournament was back – this time at Chestnut Avenue and supported by the Peterborough FA – and more than 50 teams took part.
It was once again a resounding success but the fancy football wasn't the only cause for celebration as the Peterborough & District Junior Alliance League gained national status by becoming just the fifth of its kind in England – and the first in the county – to gain the FA Charter Standard League award.
Peterborough United's top scorer Craig Mackail-Smith was on hand to present the league with their award, along with Northamptonshire FA chief executive David Payne, who handed over a 1,000 cheque to aid the further development of the league structure.
Receiving the award means that at least 60 per cent of the league's teams have received the national Charter Standard kitemark by having the required amount of FA-qualified coaches and welfare officers in place and a set of strict club policies which protect the young players.
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And considering the league, which is sponsored by Hereward Teamwear and Trophies, operates with 22 divisions that encompass a huge 215 teams, that is a remarkable achievement.
League secretary Hazel Burgess said: "First of all I would like to thank all the teams who took part and made the tournament such a success.
"Next I would like to thank Northants FA for coming down to make the presentation – it certainly made it that bit extra special for all the league officials who turned out for the occasion.
"Receiving the Charter Standard shows what a well-run league we have and that reflects well on all the committee members and anyone else who helps out. They all do a magnificent job.
"Craig Mackail-Smith and Bev Ward from the FA both came down to help and I must say Craig was wonderful with all the kids. I would like to thank them both for their time."
Kirsty Frior, county development manager of the Northamptonshire FA, who helped the league gain the award, was delighted to be present at the presentation.
She said: "Working with the extremely passionate Hazel Burgess, the league secretary, and her committee, throughout the process has been a delightful experience. Her enthusiasm makes her a perfect role-model at grassroots level, and the future of youth football within Peterborough is in good hands."
Also on hearing about the amount of commitment there is at youth football level, Posh boss Darren Ferguson was eager to give his view.
He said: "Football at this level simply could not continue without the time and effort put in by the likes of the Peterborough & District Junior Alliance League, especially that of Mrs Burgess. Her passion for the sport is a joy to see, and I'm delighted to hear volunteers within our region developing young players at such a high level, which in turn is fantastic news for the club." The Charter Standard presentation took place on Sunday but the high speed action on the pitches sizzled for two days.
On Saturday, Bourne Town overcame Yaxley to win the Under 9 final, Werrington beat Malborne Lions on penalties to take the Under 10 honours while Spalding nicked the Under 11 prize after a 1-0 final win against Peterborough City.
The following day Netherton Falcons upset the formbook by beating treble-chasing Woodston Blue 1-0 in the Under 12 final.
And later on clubmates Netherton Vultures took the chance to exact a little revenge on Wisbech St Mary by winning the Under 13 age group by the same scoreline after being beaten by Saints in the League Cup final last month.
Netherton assistant coach Derek McNally said: "We also beat Wisbech B in the final so it did make up for losing in the League Cup last month.
"Daniel Powell took his goal really well in the final which turned out to be a very good game against a talented Wisbech side."
But but it wasn't all bad news for Wisbech St Mary as the Yellows overcame Stanground B 1-0 in the Under 14 final to bring the curtain down on what proved to be a highly successful return.
Burgess added: "We were delighted with how it went and hopefully it will become an annual event now. The football was all of a high standard and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely as did all those who played."
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Weather for Peterborough
Sunday 12 February 2012
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Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
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Wind direction: North west
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