Two teams took part in the George Chatterfield Cup this year, a first for Lindens.  The event was hosted by Millfield Primary (where George Chatterfield helped with the football training for several years before his death).  The competition took on a league format this year, which each of the 6 qualifying schools playing against each other.  We were fortunate to be asked to take a second team due to one school being unable to attend.

We were very fortunate with the weather, staying sunny for the afternoon.  Our teams wore USA colours to represent one of the teams taking part in the Women's World Cup this year.  Others there on the day included England, Australia and Nigeria.  Supported by our crew of physios, choreographers, hairstylists, costume designers (to name a few) the girls had a fantastic day.

The first game saw our teams battle against each other.  A useful warm up, but after that, the determination set in.  Hogwarts (so we could identify our teams on score sheets), set about the competition with borrowed players for some of the games.  Being a 7 aside tournament, only having 6 does cause some issues.  Thanks to Alumwell who came to the rescue at times, though we also used our other team when they weren't playing.  The girls were excellent in their approach to the games, battling hard against some good opposition.  They narrowly missed out on goal difference, playing our other team in the semi-final

The Lindens team in white, having played more over the year as a squad, were determined to show their mettle.  Of the 5 group stage games, 5 wins with no goals conceded.  A semi final place beckoned against Alumwell Junior School.  Cruising to another win, the final was set for the two leading Year 3/4 teams this year, Millfield and Lindens.  The game slowed to a stalemate situation, both teams pushing the others back in attacks.  Until the floodgates opened.  A flurry of quick of 4 goals in the second half, giving team captain Faith a hat-trick and a match ball, saw off the last of the opposition.  Finishing with 7 wins from 7, with 7 clean sheets.  Brilliant work. The girls retained the cup for the school.  Ow to get ready for next year.