A number of famous footballing faces were in Barnsley last week as 13 schools from across the town took part in a national girls’ football competition.
Barnsley FC first-team players, head coach Neill Collins and ex-professionals Jon Stead, Clinton Morrison and Glenn Murray all watched on as Outwood Academy Shafton won the Barnsley Utilita Girls’ Cup.
The local winners of each competition earn the chance to represent their club in the regional and national phases of the competition, where they face schools representing other EFL clubs, for the chance to play in the Utilita Kids’ and Girls’ Cup Grand Finals ahead of the EFL Trophy and EFL play-off finals.
Thirteen teams from the Barnsley area competed in the tournament held on Oakwell’s 4G outdoor astroturf.
The winner of the afternoon will now represent Barnsley in the next stage of the competition.
It was close-fought afternoon and excellent talent was showcased throughout with Horizon A and B, Shafton and Astrea Dearne progressing to the semi-final.
A spokesperson for the Barnsley FC Community Trust said: “Barnsley FC head coach Neill Collins joined us as Outwood Academy Shafton and Horizon B went head-to-head in the final with Shafton edging their way to the top after a nail-biting ten minutes and a penalty shoot-out decider.
“We would like to say well to everyone who took part and congratulations to Outwood Academy Shafton – we wish you the best of luck in the next stage of the competition.”
