HUNDREDS of football mad youngsters took to the pitch in Cutteslowe park for a girls’ football tournament.

 

The event organised by Summertown Stars AFC last Saturday saw players from 22 primary school-age teams battle for age group trophies throughout the afternoon.

 

The girls were inspired by special guests Madison Lee and Laura Allison, who play for Oxford United Women.

 

Organiser Matt Richardson said: “The two Oxford United players were terrific role models

 

for the girls who were so excited in chatting, taking pictures and receiving medals from Madison and Lauren.

 

“ This is the gateway for girls having fun, making new friends and getting involved in football as we have had teams form at Summertown, Cumnor, Quarry and Hinksey and now play in the Oxford Mail Girls league because of this tournament.

 

“The club is so pleased that we are doing our bit in helping to double the participation rate over the next three years in the Oxford area.

 

“This is the only major girls tournament in Oxfordshire that has all female refs giving them an opportunity to progress in the referee pyramid in a safe setting”

 

Cumnor Church of England Primary School did the double by winning the under-nine and under-11 cups in dramatic penalty shoot-outs against SS Philip and James’ Primary School in North Oxford.

 

The tournament has been running for six years, with the number of girls at Summertown Stars AFC rising from 22 to more than 170 in that time.

 

The club hopes more girls will also be inspired to take up the game by the England Women’s side, who compete in Euro 2017 in the Netherlands this summer.

 

Last year’s Cutteslowe park tournament was also attended by Madison Lee as part of continuing support from Oxford United.