SLOUGH Town held the first-ever National League Under-11s Cup at Arbour Park last Thursday thanks to their promotion to the National League South in the summer.

The tournament was directed at Year Six school teams in girls and boys/mixed categories, with the aim of picking teams to represent the football club a the regional finals in February and March.

The event was funded by a generous donation from E Sargeant & Sons funeral directors, plus money from the estate of long-term Rebels supporter Dave Carpenter through the Slough Town Supporters Trust.

With six girls and 10 mixed/boys sides, the football got under way after a team briefing and a draw to split the boys/mixed sides into two groups.

After a buys afternoon full of some good football and dedication shown by all of the young players, competing in so many games in such a short time but staying so committed to their teams, the top two from the girls group were picked for the final. The top two in each of the boys/mixed groups made the semi-finals.

The group stages saw 52 goals in 15 games for the girls, plus 80 goals in 20 boys/mixed games.

In the boys/mixed semi-finals, Lynch Hill and Langley Hall progressed past Pennwood and Holy Family respectively.

The two finals had a special guest referee in Slough Town first team joint-manager Neil Baker.

In the girls final, Priory edged a tight game against Lynch Hill, who had won all their group games, but fell at the final hurdle.

It was not long before Lynch Hill had some success however, as they won the boys/mixed final against Langley Hall.

Both Priory girls and Lynch Hill boys/mixed will go on to wear the amber and blue of Slough Town at the regional finals next year.

Should they progress past that, and the following South finals, the ultimate prize is a date at Wembley for the final prior to the National League play-off final.

Every team went home with a special medal and the winners took home the

Both Priory girls and Lynch Hill boys/mixed will go on to wear the Amber and Blue of Slough Town FC at the regional finals next year. Should they progress past that and the following South finals, the ultimate prize is a date at Wembley for the final prior to the National League playoff final. Every team went home with a special medal and the winners took home the inaugural trophies to celebrate their achievements.

Slough Town Supporters Trust board member Daniel Brench said “we’re delighted with how it went, it was a great event and it was fantastic to see so many young players involved. They showed real dedication to the game, especially as we were asked to play so many games in such a short time, and there was some great football on display. We’d like to say thank you to every child who came today and their teachers for bringing them along to play today.

“We’re very grateful to E Sargeant and Son and the family of Dave Carpenter for funding the event and also to our volunteer referees from Westgate School and Neil Baker. Special thanks go to Kay Lathey, club secretary, who did so much to make this day happen.

“We wish the two teams good luck in the regional finals next year and we’ll provide an update with how they get on as they represent the Club and the town against schools picked by other National League clubs.”