Audley Football Club

The Event this year is called the Joe Sanderson Memorial 

Saturday 21^st July 2007

For the second time of asking in the last 3 weeks and against all odds Audley F.C. held its 2^nd Annual Mini Soccer tournament for children between the ages of seven and eleven at its club on Saturday, 21^st July 2007. Over 300 girls and boys took part in what was a very successful and enjoyable day. Local People and Organisations, along with Managers, Parents and Players from all of Audley’s Football sides helped to ensure the day ran smoothly.

Audley Working Men’s Club and the Community Centre provided parking at short notice which enabled the event to go ahead.

The managers, parents, players and local residents marshalled the event, assisting on Refreshment Stalls, marking pitches, refereeing etc.

Audley First Responders provided First Aid Cover for the event.

Trophies and medals were provided by the Family of the late Joe Sanderson who represented Audley as a councillor for many years, and the event was held in his memory.  

The local Community pulled together in difficult circumstances to make the day a success and Audley FC thanks them for their great show of Community Spirit.

Competition Details:

This age group was made up of 7 teams from the local leagues and a team from Tameside (Manchester) - Cheadle & Gately.

This is the 1st event which Mark Riley has organised in 6 years were there has been a purley all female team, who will be completing all male side. This year loacl club Red Street entered a team called Red Street Kites. They competed against the boys teams, putting up some stiff resistance. Unfortunately they narrowely failed to register a point. Their keeper Shannon Doyle had a very busy day, making some outstanding saves. Further resistance and quality football was played by the rest of the team members:

Chloe Key, Lauren Ash, Sian Booth, Lucy Kirkham, Kayleigh Baker, Katie Roberts, Charlotte Moberty. The team is managed by Vicky Robert. (Team Pictured, Taken by DE Photos)

In the semi-finals there was the repeat of the 2006 final between Audley Aces and Blurton Rangers, which saw Blurton lift the trophy. This year it was a different story with Audley just edging past Blurton 1 - 0 in a high skillful and competitive game considering the conditions.

I the second semi-final saw an all Red Street encounter between Red Street Kestrels Yellow and Red Street BLUE. The YELLOW team ran out 3 - 0 winners.

This age group was divided into 2 divisions of 7. Again there where teams from outside the local leagues; Newton Athletic (Chester) and Intertechnic (Cheshire).

On a very heavy pitch in not the greatest of conditions for football, more suited to rugby, saw the most enthusiatic competition. Supported by some very vocal and proud parents the 8 teams played some very promising football.

During the event all referees were asked to record who they felt should be named the Joe Sanderson Memorial Player of the Tournament.

This was judged not just for their footballing skills and ability, but for attitude, personality and sportsmanship. This was a very close decision with the final selection being made from the following: