Triumph for Pennines Township in football final

13-15 winners: Pennines Township

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Teenage footballers from across the borough competed in the final leg of a borough wide football tournament at the Soccer Village today (Saturday 12 March 2010).

Teams from the Pennines Township were the winners in both the 13-15 age group and the 15-18 age group.

Both of the winning teams received gold medals and a trophy.

All those who took part received medals and tickets to watch a Rochdale AFC game.

Over the last month teams from Rochdale North, Rochdale South, the Pennines, Middleton and Heywood have been competing in the 5-a side championship, organised by Rochdale Borough Council’s Youth Service.

Last year was the first borough wide tournament, and its aim is to bring young people from different parts of the borough together.

Youth Worker Angela Doherty organised the event, she described the day as “successful.”

Ms Doherty said: “The young people have really enjoyed it – this is what they wanted.

“I really hope to do it again next year.”

The Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Zulfiqar Ali presented the teams with the awards.

Mayor Ali said: “It is nice to have a tournament like this and it is a credit to the Rochdale Youth Service to have organised the borough wide football tournament.”

Councillor Surinder Biant, Cabinet Member of Children, Schools and Families at Rochdale Borough Council said: “It’s great that young people across the borough have been involved in this championship.

“Well done to all the players and congratulations to the winning teams.”

Ed Kelly, Head of the Youth Service at Rochdale Borough Council said: “This is the second year we’ve organised this tournament and just like last year, we’ve had a really good turnout with over 200 people competing.

“It’s brought young people together from different communities, playing matches and interacting in a positive way. Well done to all involved.”