Last updated at 10:12, Monday, 31 January 2011

ANOTHER highly successful indoor five-a-side football festival was held at Hexham’s Wentworth Leisure Centre on Sunday.

Trophies galore: Coaches, officials and sponsor Alex Waters, from TVI Commercial, joins the youngsters for the picture taken at the end of the tournament.

At the end of a frenetic five hour programme of almost non-stop action, players, supporters and proud parents, crowded on to one of the courts for the presentation.

A total of 104 players, including three girls – Ellie Tiffin, of Corbridge United, and Jessica Deas and Charlotte McCaughey, of Throckley Magpies AC – took part in the event.

The E-Factor was the order of the day with enthusiasm, exuberance and enjoyment apparent throughout.

With Football Association rules preventing the league from giving winners and runners-up trophies all the youngsters from teams Allendale, Corbridge United, Corbridge United Lions, Haydon Bridge, Hexham Greens, Hexham Whites, Prudhoe YC, Stocksfield, Throckley Magpies AC, Throckley Magpies Inter, Throckley Magpies Tots, Wark and Wylam Rockets were presented with medals.

With league vice-chairman, Andrew Wylie of the NFA, enjoying the experience of his first indoor festival, the presentation ceremony was conducted by registration secretary Kevin Piggford.

He introduced the league’s generous sponsor Alex Waters, of TVI Commercial, with both congratulating the players on their wholehearted performances and behaviour.

Rookie referees Dylan Rowell, of Hexham, and Peter Walker, of Prudhoe, were warmly thanked for their services with the latter complimented on a full shift despite carrying a knee injury sustained at the halfway stage.

The success of such an event is due in no small way to team managers, parents and followers and they receive top marks for their co-operation and patience during quite a long session.

The league management committee is once again indebted to Wentworth Leisure Centre staff, Martyn Barnes and John Fox, for arranging the programme and to Stephen Anderson for a great and very much appreciated job of co-ordinating results and the league tables.

The U10s Division Two players will hold their in-door five-a-side football tournament at Wentworth on Sunday.

Teams to attend by 10.30am in time for a prompt 11am kick-off.

First published at 09:23, Monday, 31 January 2011
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk