THE annual Delaford Colts mini soccer tournament featured 80 teams from across the Home Counties and West London.

The Under-7 to U14 age groups participated in a group stage with the top two placed sides in each group progressing to the knockout stages of the cup competition and the third and fourth teams in the trophy.

The addition of an U6 friendly festival added an extra element from previous years with 10 teams playing a round robin set of fixtures.

The tournament attracted a host of top-quality teams across all the age groups with some great trophies on offer for the winners and runners-up.

Rob Mehta, the tournament coordinator, said: “There was a fantastic standard of football on display throughout the weekend right from our youngest U6 teams through to the U14s.

“The sun made a welcome appearance for the event and it’s no easy task for the players to play in the hot temperatures. Teams had to play a minimum of six games to reach the competition finals.”

Fun and football development were the key messages for the event.

Mehta continued: “All the teams demonstrated a great level of competitive spirit and sportsmanship to make the competition enjoyable for all.”

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PHOTO: The Delaford Colts under-six team lift some silverware with club mascot, Trotter.

He added: “A particular highlight was the inclusion of an U6 friendly festival. It was great to see our youngest participants having so much fun and playing with smiles on their faces. It is what it’s all about.”

The competition this year saw an impressive awards presentation for each age group. All U6-8 players received participation medals.

In the cup and trophy competitions, all finalists received individual player awards with the winners of each event making their way up to the podium to lift their silverware to the backdrop of the Champions League theme music.

Delaford Colts club mascot Trotter made a special guest appearance for the awards presentations and was a massive hit with the children.

Nina Haase, club secretary, said: “On behalf of the committee, coaches, plus parents and players, I would like to thank our club sponsor, Relay Technical Transport, for their continued support and also our tournament sponsors whose generosity has helped to build on the success of the event last year.

“A special thanks also goes to Oakwood Estates for producing our fantastic event signage.”

Rounding off a great event was a special appearance of the FA Cup, with players and teams making the most of the opportunity to get a few pictures before it returned home to Wembley Stadium.

Keith Mounteney, chairman of Delaford, said: “It has been a fantastic year for the club and the tournament this year was the perfect end to the 2017/18 season.

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PHOTO: Players from Delaford Whites with the FA Cup trophy.

“I would like to thank all the participating teams for making this a hugely enjoyable event and we look forward to hosting you again in 2019.”

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