Inaugural South Carlow Minor Girls Soccer Blitz
On a bright spring Tuesday afternoon, Borris Vocational School held host to the first annual South Carlow Minor Girls Soccer Blitz. 36 girls from BVS and 45 from PDLS Bagenalstown, battled it out in 16 small sided games, to take home the brand new trophy.
There is a tremendous appetite for soccer among U15 girls in the two schools. With pupils from St. Mullins to Old Leighlin, Gowran to Myshall, Fenagh to Graignamanagh and everywhere in between, these two schools represent a huge area containing a massive amount of female sporting potential. Both schools are well represented on the GAA fields and also offer basketball to girls. However, with the improvement in local soccer facilities in recent years, the schools saw an opportunity to come together to promote the game amongst the U15 girls. And what an advertisement it was!
The four teams from both schools played four matches each, with the winning school determined by who won the most matches. The BVS girls had been training hard for weeks under the watchful eyes of Ms. Brennan, Ms. Doran, Ms. Smyth, Ms. Smithers and Mr. Tuite, in preparation for the blitz as PDLS were viewed as favourites.
The first handful of matches were very competitive, with only a couple of goals between any of the teams. There were 45 goals scored in total, numerous fabulous saves, some hefty tackles, lots of hard work, scintillating teamwork and no shortage of individual skill. The matches were a joy to watch. PDLS had one team who remained unbeaten for the whole blitz thanks in no small part to a last minute penalty save in the final game from Molly Cowman. BVS were determined though. Led by captains Aine Doyle, Alice Dalton, Chi Chi Delaney and Graine Grennan, BVS won 9 of the 16 games to take the trophy home to Borris for the year!
The coaches from both schools, Mr. Tuite and Ms. Dermody, were very proud of the girls’ efforts on the day, as well as their exemplary behaviour throughout. They also commended the work done by TY and 5th year girls from both schools as referees, scorekeepers and team managers. The hope for next year is to grow the event by inviting more schools to take part. It is also hoped that the fun and competition had by all, inspires more girls to join local soccer teams, which in turn can help develop the game in the county. Well done to all involved for a very enjoyable day and congratulations to Borris on their victory!