OVER 300 CHILDREN COMPETE IN KIDS AND GIRLS CUP

Over 300 children competed in the Utilita Kids and Girls Cup hosted by Carlisle United Community Sports Trust in November.

The initial stage of the national competitions saw Workington Academy win the Girls Cup while St Catherine's Catholic Primary School triumphed in the Kids Cup.

Nine secondary schools and 26 primary schools were involved across the two days, battling for the opportunity to represent Carlisle United in the Area/Regional finals.

The Girls Cup took place on November 15 at Harraby 3G, with Workington Academy, Trinity School, Whitehaven Academy and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School finishing in the top four to progress from the group stage.

Workington beat QEGS, while Trinity edged out Whitehaven both by a single goal in the semi-finals.

The final went to penalties after a tight 1-1 draw, which saw Workington claim glory with perfection from the spot.

On the following Friday, St Catherine's topped Group B before despatching Inglewood Juniors and Thomlinson Juniors to set up a final against Belle Vue, who had victories over Longtown School and Beconside School in the knockout rounds.

The teams were well-matched, but Belle Vue could not respond to St Catherine's early strike, meaning the Penrith-based school took home the trophy.

St Catherine's will play in the Regional Finals in March, while Workington will compete in the January Area Finals.

Carlisle United Community Sports Trust Delivery, CPD and Quality Assurance Director Carl Carr said: “It was great to see so many different schools and pupils from all across Cumbria participating in and competing during a fun morning of football.

“As well as great skills on show, there were fantastic attitudes and plenty of goals throughout.

“Thank you to all the staff and pupils for making both tournaments enjoyable for all.”