Hemsworth 5ives, the football team funded by West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson’s Safer Communities Fund, is celebrating after winning the Game On regional tournament last December.
Taking to the pitch at Dearne ALC, Denaby 5ives from Doncaster; Hemsworth 5ives and Airedale 5ives from Wakefield; Dinnington 5ives from Rotherham; and Kendray 5ives from Barnsley all competed for their place in the regional finals.
The six-a-side teams used all the skills that they have learnt, and the confidence they have developed, during Game On evening turn up and play sessions as they try to hit the back of the net to be named as this year’s regional winners.
The competition was fierce leaving Hemsworth 5ives to take on Kendray 5ives in the last game, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Thanks to a penalty shootout, Hemsworth were announced the winner and took the title with a single goal between the contenders.
It wasn’t all bad news for Kendray 5ives however, as Joe Deakin took Player of the Tournament and received a trophy for his efforts.
Kat Clarke, Development Manager for Game On England, said: “Hemsworth winning the title by a penalty shootout is the closest we have had yet. All eyes were on Denaby 5ives, who have won the last two competitions, but all the teams stepped up to the plate this Winter.
“We are very much looking forward to our summer qualifying tournament for the 14th Home International Tournament in 2020 in Wales. We have every confidence that this year’s qualifying teams will be our strongest yet and will bring the Game On trophy back to England!”
The regional tournament forms part of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s Game On initiative. The programme works with young people from across coalfield towns and villages, providing them with free access to physical activity and teaches important leadership and teamwork skills, whilst also helping to reduce anti-social behaviour.
To find out even more about the difference Game On makes in coalfield communities head here, or by following @GameOnEngland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.