On Sunday 9th June, the Northamptonshire Women’s League, the NWFL (@NWFLnews) hosted their third annual charity tournament at Old Grammarians in Wellingborough.
The event was introduced three years ago when one of the founding members of the league, Pete Brewin, sadly passed away after a hard battle with cancer. Each year the league chooses a charity to support and all proceeds go to the chosen charity. This year the league chose to support the British Heart Foundation.
We had 16 teams enter the 6 a side tournament. All teams take part in initial group stages, this is then followed by further group games as teams get split into a Cup or a Plate competition. Teams then play further games before semi finals and finals are played.
This year, the league invited other teams from higher leagues in the County as well as teams expected to
come into the league for the first time next season, so it was the first time some teams had ever faced each other.
Northampton Town put in two teams having reformed since their dissolution last season and Burton Park Wanderers had a strong squad of girls. Raunds Town put in a strong display and AFC Rushden and Diamonds also had two strong squads. It was also nice to see the return of Woodford Ladies.
The league is a RESPECT league and is very proud of the standards shown in terms of discipline within the league, with a total of 8 cards being shown throughout all of last season between the two divisions. The tournament is always played in good spirit and we would like to thank all of the teams for their continued commitment towards this.
Prior to the draw for the Semi Finals and Finals, we were delighted to welcome Sophie Bradley, England and Lincoln Ladies defender to the tournament. Sophie spent some time watching the games and talking to players, having pictures taken and signing autographs. She commented on how fantastic these types of tournaments are, despite no longer being able to play in them herself. “I love tournament football!” She also commented on how good the standard of football was on show, picking out some talented players.
Sophie then made our League presentations to the runners up of Division 1, Moulton Ladies, the runners up of Division 2, Billing Utd Ladies and the Winners of Division 2, AFC Rushden and Diamonds. Rothwell Town Ladies who won our Division 1 were unable to attend.
The tournament then drew to a conclusion with Roade Ladies beating Moulton Ladies in the Plate Final and Burton Park Wanderers ladies beating AFC Rushden and Diamonds 3-2 on penalties in the Cup Final.
We’d like to thank Sophie for coming along to make our presentations and inspire the players. We’d also like to thank all of the referees who gave their time for free and to the teams for continually supporting the event.
Pictured (from top) – Burton Park Wanderers, AFC Rushden & Diamonds with Sophie Bradley, Roade LFC.
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