Year 6 Girls Football: 2017 London Youth Games Champions

The tournament started well with OLI winning their opening group match 1-0 against the Borough of Greenwich. Early in the match Katie rifled home an impressive shot past the opposing goalkeeper, capping a very strong team performance. The remaining group matches were both tense affairs as OLI’s defence, spearheaded by Sophie H and Evie, managed to keep out the boroughs of Camden and Ealing respectively. After one victory and two draws OLI had qualified for the afternoon’s premier cup tournament. 

First up for OLI during the afternoon was the Borough of Hillingdon who looked extremely impressive during the morning’s play. As soon as the game started OLI dominated the early possession and had some early chances on goal. However, it was on a counter attack that OLI scored the first goal, as Sophie D and Katie linked up to devastating effect. One minute later the dynamic duo were at it again as a lovely passing move left Sophie on goal and she made no mistake with the finish. The 2-0 score line against one of the tournament’s favourites gave the team a massive confidence boost.

The second match in the cup tournament proved to be decisive as OLI beat a strong Wandsworth team by two goals to nil. With this win the team guaranteed their place in the quarter-finals. Brent were the opponents in the first knock-out stage. Unfortunately, the attacking football that OLI had played in the earlier matches was unable to be repeated, in part due to the poor playing conditions on Pitch 4. However, due to the fantastic play by Lilah and Grace at the heart of the OLI defence the score remained level; 0-0. This meant one thing… penalties! After some words of encouragement from Mr Keady, Mr Cox and Callum (Year 13 at Richard Challoner and ex-OLI pupil) the girls were ready. Team captain Katie won the coin toss and decided to take the first penalty. Confidently Katie lined up the ball and viciously struck home her penalty into the top right-hand corner of the goal. The goal’s netting nearly came off due to the power in the forward’s strike. It was now down to OLI’s goalkeeper extraordinaire: Esin. Brent’s striker sent a low powerful shot to the left hand side of the goal, somehow Esin managed to deflect the ball on to the post with a fantastic two-handed save. OLI and the borough of Kingston were through to the semi-finals and at least guaranteed a bronze medal. However, there was a feeling within the team that this was not the prize that they were after.

OLI were again up against the Borough of Ealing in a much anticipated semi-final encounter. Unsurprising the match was a very tight affair and ended in a stalemate. This meant only one thing… penalties (again)!  During the penalty shootout OLI relied upon some excellent saves from Esin, in addition to coolly dispatched penalties from the outfield players. One of which came from Sophie D, who booked OLI’s place in the final. In an incredible display of sportsmanship, rather than wildly celebrating, all team members went over to commiserate with the Ealing side. This really reflects the RESPECT keys to success that is practised in school. 
The time had finally come for the final of competition. OLI were to face the Borough of Hillingdon (Harlyn Primary School) who they had earlier beat 2-0. Hillingdon looked eager to avenge the loss; however the momentum and team spirit was undoubtedly with OLI. The game started well as OLI controlled the midfield battle with Imogen making some vital tackles and passes forward to the team’s attackers. Halfway through the match OLI made this pressure count with an excellent counter attack goal scored by striker Katie. From this point on it was defence, defence and some more defence! The remaining three minutes seemed like hours for OLI’s team. However, the wait was eventually over as the referee blew the final whistle and the girls realised their dream; they had become London Youth Games champions!

Article supplied by Michael Keady