Under-11s npower Community Cup

Local schools compete for the chance of representing the Shots at Wembley

FITC recently ran its local Under-11s npower Community Cup competition, an event where 20 local schools competed against one another for the honour of representing ATFC at the area finals with the potential of going all the way to Wembley.

As in previous years the competition was of a very high standard with the juniors proving a real credit to their schools. The tournament took place on the fantastic 3G pitch at Robert Mays school- thrilling for the youngsters and conducive to the swift passing of the more accurate teams! In the presence of various community coaches including three Hampshire Constabulary staff, Oli, Al and Tom, scouts from ATFC's centre of Excellence and Elite centre and the Community Kid the juniors were keen to impress and that is exactly what they did!

Penalty shoot out heroics, last-gasp goals, saves and even a couple of long-range thunderbolts graced the day and there was even a brief glimpse of sun. Not bad for November!

The four schools who reached the semi-finals did so unbeaten but of course then something had to give. All Saints, Fleet and Hook Juniors were the victors, winning 3:1 and 3:0 respectively, beating St Joseph's, Aldershot, and Velmead School from Fleet.

The final was an exciting affair. With the scores locked at 1:1 at full time and 2:2 after extra time the only way to decide a winner was through a penalty shoot-out. Thanks to the heroics of the Hook keeper, the 2009 Aldershot winners All Saints were defeated for the first time in the competition leaving the Hook Juniors living the dream that they might be gracing the Wembley turf in Aldershot Town colours prior to the League 2 play-off final.

Pictured above are winners, Hook Juniors. In the gallery below are many other pictures of the day. See if you can find yourself!

Picture Gallery