More than 200 teams from across the Southwest gathered for the 21st – and biggest ever – Westbury Youth Football Club Tournament and Festival of Football from 20th – 22nd June.
A five-a-side festival of football was held for U7s, U8s and U9s, a six-a-side tournament for U10s to U13s and U12s/U13s girls, and a five-a-side tournament for U14s to U17 and 18s. Westbury Youth FC Crystals triumphed in the under 12 girls’ competition.
Tournament director Andy Jordan said, “It has been absolutely fabulous. It’s our biggest youth football tournament ever and teams have come from all over including Bristol, Dorset, Hampshire, Devon and Gloucestershire.
“There has been a massive effort from loads of people starting since Christmas with monthly meetings. We have had such positive feedback from coaches about how it has been run and the kids love it. It’s a good day out for them and the weather has been very kind to us this year.”
Tournament director Greg Coulson said, “Can I say a massive thank you to everyone who helped over the weekend and in the preparation of the tournament, from myself and the chairman Matt Bright.
“This tournament was a massive success, we had 206 teams entered and I turned down at least 15 other teams. Everyone who wants to come again needs to enter as early as possible next year to avoid disappointment. We (and probably other youth football teams) need a successful tournament to future proof our club so that we can provide the kids of Westbury a safe and secure environment to play football with FA qualified coaches. We promise to make next year even better.”
Matthew Bright, chairman of Westbury Youth Football Club said, “This event is only made possible by the various committee members and parents, especially the tournament directors, Andy Jordan and Greg Coulson, who volunteer their time to help out with the preparations for and running of the tournament, so I would like to personally thank them for their efforts over this weekend and the past months.
“This year the club lost two long standing committee members who have dedicated over a decade each to Westbury Youth. Phil Osborne and Anne Evans have contributed massively towards the club’s success, and on behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank them for their commitment and support.
“A big thank you goes to our various sponsors whose support for the tournament and throughout the season is so vital to the club.”
