Wardleworth bridges communities at biggest ever football tournament

Some of players show off the winners and runners-up trophies

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The Wardleworth community witnessed its biggest ever football tournament on the last day of the Easter holidays.

The community hosted teams from all over Rochdale to participate in the event, with over 150 youths taking part in the tournament, which aimed to bring Rochdale communities closer together.

Teams from Freehold, Deeplish, Sparth, Hamer, Wardleworth, Belfield, Newbold and Greenbank all participated in the tournament organised by Rochdale’s Community Cohesion Officer Azmat Khan.

Azmat said: “The tournament was organised for the under 16s and to have so many different teams from all over Rochdale was a breath taking experience. We had over 150 youths participating and taking part in a positive structured event.”

The tournament itself was structured in the same way as the Champions League. There were four groups, with the top two from each going through to the quarter-final stage.

The quarter finals pitted Freehold side Lil Eagles vs Brazil. Brazil won through after Adil smashed in an unstoppable left foot drive.

The second quarter saw DX beat Anti Racism 2-0, while Barca Juniors and Newbold outfit Killers also secured their places in the semis. Killers winning through on penalties against Deeplish All Stars.

A crowd of more than 100 gathered to watch the semi-finals. DX booked their place in the final, beating Brazil 3-1, with Zacker scoring the goal of the game after playing a one-two with Qasim and finishing in style.

That goal was surpassed by the goal of the tournament in the other semi between Barca Juniors and Killers. Fokrul scored the only goal of the game for Barca after a flowing move turned defence into attack.

The final was a tense affair with both sides not willing to give up the title having come so far. The tie went to penalties after a 1-1 draw. DX clinched the tournament when Hasan rifled his spot kick into the top corner.

Azmat said: “This event was by far the most successful we have organised. We had engaged with every community and were thrilled to have so many turn out. The tournament was held in great spirit and many bridges were being developed between communities.

“The attitude of the youths was fantastic and it makes me proud of helping these kids out. They always look forward to playing in this tournament and behavior like this is what makes me want to do more for them. They need focus and guidance and I hope playing in these events will help them in the future.”