Girl Power

SOCCER

DESPITE England's premature exit from the World Cup, football fever is still running high in Ipswich.

Copleston Sports College played host to the inaugural TXU Energi-sponsored School Girls Five-A-Side Football Tournament, organised by Ipswich Town Women's Football Club.

More than 200 girls took part in the tournament involving 31 teams, split over three age groups.

The event was a great success, with teams from across the county competing in matches throughout the day.

There was a high standard of play and in true World Cup style many of the games went into extra-time and the nerve-racking penalty shoot-out.

Following the year group finals, a formal trophy presentation took place with members of the women's senior squad presenting each winning team with a coveted TXU Energi trophy for their school. All winners and runners-up also received individual certificates and medals.

Mike Thompson, TXU's sponsorship manager, said: "Our support of ITWFC represents an integral part of our overall sponsorship of Ipswich Town Football Club.

"By working closely with the women's club and supporting grass roots events such as this, TXU hopes to demonstrate its commitment to improving standards of women's football right up to senior level."

The tournament was held to encourage girls to become involved in playing football from an early age. Staff from both the Ipswich Town Community Project and Ipswich Town Women's Football Club were on hand throughout the day to help increase awareness of the opportunities that exist.

Results

Year group 5-6: Semi-finals: Woodbridge A 1 Britannia A 1 (Britannia A won on penalties); Woodbridge B 2 Britannia B 1.

Final: Woodbridge B 2 Britannia A 1.

Year group 7-8: Semi-finals: Holywells A 1 Stoke B 1 (Holywells A won on penalties); Kesgrave 1 Northgate A 0.

Final: Holywells A 1 Kesgrave 1 (Holywells won on penalties).

Year group 9-10: League winners – Debenham High. League runners-up – King Edward VI, Bury.