South Reading Vixens

We’d just got back from the annual tour to Tenby when Tina and Jason spotted the opportunity to go away again – this time to the Umbro International Tournament in Manchester. This prestigious competition draws top teams from around the world, and features a Girls Under 14 section. Some fast work saw them enter our Under 13’s squad in the event, arrange accommodation and entertainment, sort out transport and track down an extremely generous sponsor to help fund the whole trip.

Tuesday
The girls piled into Geoff’s minibus for a lively journey up north, with parents and supporters making a more relaxed trip in the lengthy Vixens convoy. It was a good journey as we headed for the first event of the tour – a visit to Old Trafford! We arrived mostly intact, with just Susan getting lost at end of convoy and ending up at the wrong stadium. Eventually we were reunited and headed for the Manchester United Museum. With a huge amount to see and an impressive display of trophies, the girls spent over an hour wandering around before going on the stadium tour. Richard and the other rebels wore their Arsenal shirts, whilst Charlotte added a touch of class with her Reading top. After visiting the stands, dressing rooms and players areas as well as sitting in Fergie’s seat, it was off to our accommodation at Marton Mere caravan site near Blackpool. The Vixens were by now very hungry, and descended en masse on Pizza Hut. The friendly and efficient staff soon had piles of food on the table, although the Ice Cream Factory did struggle to keep up. Tina’s negotiating made it excellent value, and the waitress even solved Sean’s loo roll crisis by providing him with emergency supplies!

Wednesday
We headed back to Manchester for the first two games of the tournament, unsure of what to expect and just hoping that the girls would do themselves justice playing against older teams with substantial resources. Having parked up, we had a 15 minute walk to the other side of the sports ground just to get to our area. It was a huge tournament with teams from all over world, playing on 25 pitches. Whilst not exactly summery, the weather was perfect for football as the girls kicked off their first match. It was goalless at the break, before opponents Fletcher Moss Rangers took the lead early in the second half. The girls kept their heads up though, kept going and scored three times to claim their first points of the tournament. A couple of hours rest then allowed time for lunch, before the second match of the day against Broadhurst. South Reading Club Secretary Chris had taken time out from his holiday to travel to Manchester to watch this one – his support was much appreciated by everyone, and the team was particularly keen to put on a good display. The early exchanges were fairly evenly balanced but once the Vixens got their noses in front the floodgates opened, as they hit six without reply.

It had been an excellent first day, with expectations having been wildly exceeded. We returned to the caravans tired but happy, and had an evening meal in the Marton Mere bar followed by Karaoke for those awake enough to keep going.

Thursday
With bad weather forecast, it was fortunate that there was only one game scheduled for the Vixens. The physical approach of Scandinavian opponents Holmen was eventually toned down after the ref got her cards out, but it didn’t bother the girls as their passing game saw them cruise to a comfortable victory. We got away just before the rain started to pour down, and returned to the caravans to get cleaned up. With a free afternoon in prospect, it was off to cinema to see “Kicking and Screaming” - a film about a youth football team. Despite the over the top nature we could see much of our experience in there, and could particularly recognize the character of an opposing manager from days gone by!

Friday
There were two games again, the toughest of the tournament so far. The first match turned out to be a fair but physical tussle with D&G Development Squad, the Scottish FA’s team for South West Scotland. The girls battled out a 0-0 draw, surely a first for the Vixens. But the small squad of 13 was now becoming stretched as they started to feel the effects of playing five games in three days. We spent lunchtime patching up the wounded ready for battle in the afternoon, with ice packs, plasters, bandages and eyewash all in demand. The final group fixture was against divisional leaders Tameside who had won all their games so far, with the Vixens in second place and two points behind. The girls rose to the challenge magnificently, defended valiantly and scored in the last minute to win the game and the group. The return journey gave time for a rest and recovery so it was off to Blackpool in the evening to celebrate, with pub meals and rides on the Pleasure Beach on offer. It also turned out to be Tina’s birthday, with Janet organising cake to mark the event.

Saturday
It was the final day of the tour, with the girls having to be persuaded to get everything packed up in good time. There was some last minute excitement as we met Sky Sports presenter Helen Chamberlain who was staying on the site (yes really!!). A late departure followed as the girls persuaded her to turn out for photos and autographs (thanks Helen), requiring a speedy journey down to Manchester for the knockout stage of the tournament.

The semi final turned out to be a game too far, with opponents Manchester City using their superior height and strength to best advantage. The girls conceded two early goals to leave themselves with an uphill struggle, then recovered to 2-3 before City settled it late on. So an appearance in the final wasn’t to be, but it had been a great experience for the Vixens. It had also been a fantastic performance from the whole squad. Despite facing bigger and older players in each game, they never gave up and fought for every ball. And with this being an Under 14 tournament, there is the option for the whole team to return next year at same age group…

Well done girls, you did yourselves proud.

Thanks go to Tina and Jason for the massive amount of work in arranging everything, and also to our sponsor Berkshire Community Foundation, who made it all possible through their exceptionally generous funding.

Match results:
v Fletcher Moss Rangers 3-1 (Chloe 2, Alice)
v Broadhurst 6-0 (Chloe 3, Georgia 2, Alana)
v Holmen 4-2 (Siobhan 2, Chloe 2)
v Dumfries & Galloway 0-0
v Tameside 1-0 (Jade)
v Manchester City 2-5 (Alice, Sarah)

Squad: Honor, Harriett, Deanna, Charlotte, Georgia, Siobhan, Alana, Jade, Femi, Sarah, Stacey, Alice, Chloe

Match Reports	Photos