Matthew Clarke Memorial Tournament 2014

Thamesmead’s 16th annual Matthew Clarke Memorial Tournament took place on the same day as the World Cup opening match last week (Thursday 12 June) on the 3G pitches at Thamesmead’s state-of-the-art sports and leisure facility, Sporting Club Thamesmead.

The tournament, which is held every year in memory of former St John Fisher Primary School pupil and Thamesmead Town Football Club under-10s team member, Matthew Clarke, attracted 300 children aged 10-12 from 13 Thamesmead primary schools.

The 3.5 hour event saw St Margaret Clitherow V Castilion and Hawksmoor V Discovery reach the semi-final stage with and Hawksmoor V Castilion going the whole way. Step forward this year’s winner. Congratulations... Hawksmoor who beat Castilion 2-1, making this Hawksmoor’s 3rd Matthew Clarke Memorial Tournament win (2008, 2011 and 2014).

Sporting Club Thamesmead's Centre Manager, Simon Jones said: “Matthew Clarke is always a fantastic event which brings together the primary schools in Thamesmead in memory of Matthew Clarke. It was made extra special this year by taking place the same day as the World Cup opening match. The atmosphere reached fever pitch!”

Hawksmoor’s year six Teacher, Mr Owen Phillips said: “I am ecstatic, over the moon. I am really happy. We tried our best and we won! I am really proud of the team, not only for playing great football but for their good attitude. Working together got us this win.”
 
A Player of the Tournament award was introduced this year and went to 11-year-old St Margaret Clitherow pupil, Jeremie Makuna who said:  “I have tried my hardest all year and gave my all and to get selected for the team and to now win Player of the Tournament is beyond my wildest dreams or expectations. I am so happy!”