YOUTH FOOTBALL: SATURDAY showers could not dampen the enthusiasm of hundreds of young footballers as FC Chippenham Youth staged their annual six-a-side tournament at Westmead Playing Fields.

The event once again lived up to its reputation as one of the biggest of its kind in the south west as 220 teams turned up to contest the honours over the weekend.

Age groups sides from U7s to U17s were catered for and teams from across Wiltshire and Bristol flocked to Chippenham to take part.

John Murphy, a member of the tournament's eight-man organising committee, was relived his club's big weekend had not been spoiled by inclement weather.

He said: "We had a fantastic weekend. We arrived on Friday at 9am to set everything up and left at 9.30pm and the rain was horrendous all day.

"We thought we were going to be washed out of it at one point.

"If the weather had kept up, then it would have been a bit of a disappointment, but as it was we had a couple of showers on Saturday and no rain at all on Sunday. In the end it was a fantastically successful tournament, with 220 teams turning up.

"We have proved again that it is a tournament that runs like clockwork.

"After we made the presentations to the U7s, one of the parents asked for three cheers for the organising committee as they had all had a great time. That was really nice."

FC Chippenham's hopes of a home victory failed to transpire, although they came close to victory in two of the age groups.

The U9s competition saw Highworth Juniors defeat FC Chippenham Youth in the final, while the host club's U13s were also forced to settle for the runners-up spot after losing out to local rivals Chippenham Town Youth.

Chippenham Town Rangers made it a brace of victories for the junior Bluebirds after they defeated Castle Combe in the U15s section.

Devizes Town Youth beat Trowbridge Wanderers in the U10s final, but the roles were reversed in the U11s competition as Wanderers claimed the winner's trophy. The youngest age groups, U7s and U8s, played non-competitive festival football in accordance with FA guidelines, with all participants receiving a medal at the end.

Murphy was impressed with the standard of football on show over the two days.

He said: "There were some sensational demonstrations of skill out there, particularly in the younger ones out there.

"The highlight for me was the U13s final, when FC Chippenham came up against Chippenham Town, with Chippenham Town going off with the spoils in the end."

A number of referees from the U15s age group took control of matches, with assistance from some senior officials.

Said Murphy: "The level of sportsmanship was fantastic and it helps that we invest in referees at an early stage. Not only do we pay them but they also get a memento.''

He praised the young officials' enthusiasm. "The young referees are very enthusiastic and keen,'' he said.

"They enjoyed it and having proper referees out there in their kit helps build up the kids' respect.

"That has to be good for the game."

Roll of honour

U9s

Winners: Highworth Juniors

Runners-up: FC Chippenham Youth

U10s

Winners: Devizes Town Youth

Runners-up: Trowbridge Wanderers

U11s

Winners: Trowbridge Wanderers

Runners-up: Devizes Town Youth

U12s

Winners: Eastville Boys

Runners-up: Stoke Lane

U13s

Winners: Chippenham Town Youth

Runners-up: FC Chippenham Youth

U14s

Winners: Melksham Park

Runners-up: Amesbury Juniors

U15s

Winners: Chippenham Town Rangers

Runners-up: Castle Combe

U16s/U17s

Winners: Eastville Boys

Runners-up: Lyden Pumas