Crawley Town reach final of FA girls tournament
Crawley Town Community Foundation took a group of girls to an FA Girls Football Tournament at Wembley last Saturday.
The girls, all students at the Weald School in Billingshurst, have been attending free Female Football Development (FFD) sessions at the school, delivered by the club's Community Foundation on behalf of the Football League Trust.
After an early start, the girls travelled up with a team from Albion in the Community, who very kindly allowed us to sign one of their players on loan for the event. The girls were put in Group D, alongside Brentford, Middlesbrough, Tottenham Hotspur and Northampton Town.
After some heroic performances (and with no substitutes), the girls finished third in the group, and progressed to a semi-final against Crystal Palace. Another fantastic performance followed, with the girls securing a 3-1 win. They then faced Aldershot Town in the final where they were defeated 3-1 after a close game.
Following the event, the girls stayed to watch the FA Cup Final between Arsenal Ladies and Chelsea Ladies. It was a first trip to Wembley for many of the girls, who enjoyed their first experience of ladies’ football.
Amy Fazackerley, FFD Coordinator, said: “This was a fantastic event and a great opportunity for the girls to participate at the national stadium. We went into the tournament with no substitutes and no natural goalkeeper, but the girls put in a huge effort and played some fantastic football.
"They represented the club admirably and should be really proud of themselves. We hope that this event will inspire the girls to continue their involvement in football.”
