Organised in partnership with the Worthing School Sports Association (WSSA) and led by Ali Groves, the high-spirited event brought together eight local primary schools and nearly 100 young players for a memorable day of grassroots sport.
The tournament showcased an impressive standard of play throughout, with the young athletes displaying fantastic skill, passion and teamwork. After a great afternoon of competitive play, Goring and Elm Grove primary schools were crowned joint champions and will represent Worthing in the partnership finals next month.
Reflecting on the success of the day, Groves praised the collaborative effort and the impact on the young players:
“Seeing nearly a hundred girls out on the pitch enjoying their football with such energy and skill was fantastic. Opportunities like this are crucial for building confidence and inspiring a lifelong love for the game. Partnering with Worthing FC gave the girls an incredible venue to play on, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped bring this together.”
For Football Development Manager Chris Jones, welcoming schools to the stadium aligns closely with the Club’s broader mission:
“We were absolutely delighted to open up the stadium and host such a wonderful community event. It was fantastic to invite all the players, teachers and supporters into the club and give these young girls the opportunity to play on our pitch. The standard of football was exceptional, and we sincerely hope this will be the first of many events like this as we continue working alongside WSSA to grow the local game.”
Adding to the true community feel, officiating duties were carried out by students from Worthing College who are part of the college’s Academy of Sport. Their involvement provided top-tier refereeing while further strengthening the ties between the local schools, colleges and Football Club.
Hosting events like this highlights the club’s ongoing dedication to serving as a positive hub for the town and nurturing the next generation of sporting talent, shortly after receiving the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of the outstanding community outreach and local work
Originally published by Worthing FC ↗