The Skem Ladies Football Festival is held annually in Skelmersdale, Liverpool and is in aid of the NSPCC.
The tournament began three years ago with just six teams and has now expanded to its present format of 72 teams, in age groups from U10s to U15s.
The competition takes place over two days at the Blaguate Sports Fields.
9 a side teams compete on shortened pitches with games lasting 10 minutes each way.
The event is organised by Skem Athletic representatives with assistance from local residents and volunteers.
With the agreement of the local council authority the pitches are prepared to the highest standard to ensure that the two days are as fun filled as possible with activities such as BBQ’s, penalty shoot out competitions, band concerts and bouncy castles all being available.
1st Bangor Ladies are the first team from Ireland to take part in the tournament and were grouped with six other teams in this years tournament.
To encourage attacking football teams were awarded one point for a goalless draw and two for a score draw with three points for a win.
Despite dominating the first game against Rochdale side R.O.C.S., 1st Bangor drew 0-0.
This was followed by wins over Sheffield United Blades and Burscough from Liverpool.
A further win and a draw left the Bangor girls needing a score draw in their final fixture against regional champions Lepton to progress to the semis.
Lepton took an early lead and despite 1st Bangors best efforts held on to progress to the semi finals and eventually running out beaten finalists.
Of the 14 teams in their category, 1st Bangor ended 4th highest on points.
The team enjoyed the experience with new friendships and contacts being forged and exchange visits to Preston and Lepton planned for the future.
The 1st Bangor team and accompanying parents and coaches thoroughly enjoyed the two days.
Next years event is already pencilled into the 1st Bangor team’s diary and it is hoped that more teams from the NIWFA will consider competing in the tournament.
