The 25th edition of the Saints sevens (7’s) junior tournament was good success. There was only a few slots/teams, under 9 and under 17 that did not make the groups full. All teams arrived to the occasion and Saints is grateful for all the participating teams, parents and supporters. The opening matches on the Thursday 8th August went very well and the teams were well disciplined and punctual, because it’s a tournament that requires very good timing and organising of teams.
BACKGROUND – The SAINTS junior 7-a-side soccer tournament was established in 1999 by a group of ladies who served on the clubs junior committee. Their vision was two-fold:
- They were passionate and driven to make a difference in the lives of the kids of our community, by using this tournament to show case there talent, skills and keep them off the streets.
- To afford kids the opportunity to participate in an organized soccer tournament. Through this initiative they can celebrate women’s day together with all the kids. The tournament is normally played on the 9th of August each year. This year the tournament will be hosted of the Thursday 8th and Friday 9th August. The tournament cater for twelve teams per division – U/9, U/11, U/13, U/15 & U/17, a total of 60 junior teams, each team consist of ten (10) players, a manager and a coach per team. A total of 600 players will participate in the tournament. Clubs from all over the region are welcomed to participate, as long as the clubs and players are registered under the SAFA-NMB region.
Because it is a junior tournament there is no prize monies up for grabs, only trophies, medals and gifts.
The aim of this event is to achieve “Mass Participation” and to celebrate women’s day together with the kids. The inaugural tournament attracted over 3000 players and spectators on the day, which was a resounding success. The tournament is the property of SAINTS F.C. and focuses purely on mass participation and youth development.
The tournament is now by far the most prominent 7-a-side tournament in the Eastern Cape and arguably one the best organized in the country. In total of 155 matches will be played to determine the champions of each respective division.
DRIVING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
SaintsFC is proud to have 2 teams reaching for gold. Our U/13 and U/17 teams ended up champions in their respective age groups. Two of our U/17 boys also received special awards. 1. Goalkeeper Of The Tournament – Tyrique George 2. Player Of The Tournament – Matthew Ludick.
THE WINNERS AND RUNNERS UP OF THE TOURNAMENT WAS THE FOLLOWING:
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