Community Cohesion Tournament – Saturday 13th of February

This Saturday’s 7 a-side community cohesion tournament for 16-19 year olds at Goshen Sports Centre was keenly contested by three teams; Whitemoss youth club in Charlestown, Salford youth service and Whitworth Park sports club from Moss Side. The games were overseen by FC United community coach Phil Schofield who took on refereeing duties. Meanwhile, a team of young FC United supporters and young people from the Making it Work project took on Whitemoss in an 11 a-side game, with Whitemoss running out 3-0 victors.

Game 1. Whitemoss youth club 9-0 Salford youth service

A strong and experienced Whitemoss over powered Salford who were playing together for the first time in this opening fixture. Whitemoss scored several excellent goals including three long distance goals. Despite their inexperience Salford kept their effort up throughout the game and were several near-misses away from finding a goal themselves.

Game 2. Whitemoss youth club 1-3 Whitworth Park sports club

The second game of the tournament was the best game of the day with a fierce contest ensuing between Whitemoss and WPSC. Whitemoss took an early lead in the first half but for the rest of the half WPSC put Whitemoss’s goal under heavy pressure with only a string of excellent saves from Whitemoss’s goalkeeper ensuring WPSC were kept at bay. However, shortly before half time WPSC found the all important equaliser. In the second half WPSC continued to press and despite some robust tackling from Whitemoss they managed to grab two more goals to take the victory.

Game 3. Whitworth Park sports club 5-2 Salford youth service

The final game of the tournament was another excellent contest with Salford greatly improved after the experience of playing together in the first game. While WPSC scored an early goal Salford hit back with an excellent volleyed equaliser. WPSC managed 4 further goals in the second-half but the pick of the second half goals was a long-range effort from well outside the area by Salford. Following their victory in this final game WPSC emerged as overall winners for the day.

FC United community and education officer Robin Pye commented ’The tournament was a great success. It fulfilled its aim of bringing young people from across greater Manchester and from a variety of cultural backgrounds together to play football.’

If you have a team who would be
interested in taking part in the tournament, or for any further information, send an email to robinpye@fc-utd.co.uk.