Matthew Clarke Football Tournament 2009

Nine Thamesmead primary schools took part in the eleventh seven a-side Matthew Clarke Football Tournament at Woolwich Polytechnic in Thamesmead on Thursday, 25 June.

The annual contest, which is led by community development agency Trust Thamesmead and managed by Thamesmead Town Football Club is held in memory of nine year old Matthew Clarke, a former pupil of St John Fisher primary school and under 10s team member of Thamesmead Town Football Club, who sadly died of cancer ten years ago.

As usual, the day was full of eagerness from each of the teams, who had been practicing hard for the tournament.

Nineteen games took place throughout the 3.5 hour tournament, which saw Castilion Vs Linton Mead and Heronsgate Vs Business Academy Bexley (BAB) win their place in the semi finals, with the final scores of the semis being 2-1 to Castilion and 1-0 to the BAB.

With the semis over it was down to Castilion and the BAB to battle it out to become the overall winner of the contest but after five minutes play each way, the score was 0-0 and saw the two teams go on to penalties.

A successful penalty shot by 10 year old Max Rowing's was not enough to save Castilion, as 11 year olds, Osman Sillah and Christopher Mukenge provided the winning penalties for Business Academy Bexley. The final score: BAB 2-Castilion 1.

Trust Thamesmead's Head of Community Development, David Stone said: “Each year Trust Thamesmead works in partnership with Thamesmead Town Football Club to provide a fun and entertaining afternoon of football for local primary schools to help keep Matthew Clarke's memory alive. It was fantastic to see Matthew's mum Marcia at the tournament and to see so many fantastic football players out there in the local area.

“It was also great to see two new teams in the final this year; Castilion and Business Academy Bexley. Our congratulations go to all the teams for providing great entertainment and special congratulations to Business Academy Bexley for winning the 2009 Matthew Clarke Football Tournament.

“Here's to next year!”

All 90 pupils who took part received a trophy which was presented by Adam Woodward; a first team player at Thamesmead Town Football Club and Coach at the Glen Johnson Soccer School, which was set up in 2007 by Portsmouth and England star Glen Johnson. Glen, who hand picked a select team of qualified coaches who have the same vision as himself, to provide a coaching experience which is fun but informative. The soccer school is based in Dartford and its primary focus is training and development within local schools. One of his students is currently at West Ham United.

Trophies were also given to group winners, semi finalists, runners up and the winning team.

Thank you to Woolwich Polytechnic for the use of their facilities and to Richard Edward Printers who sponsored the day's programme.