Camden & Regent’s Park Youth League hosts 1,000 players and 70 teams

Published: September 15, 2011
by CATHERINE ETOE

Camden & Regent’s Park Youth League

ALMOST 1,000 youngsters from 70 teams got the chance to play the beautiful game on Saturday as the Camden and Regent’s Park Youth League season got underway.

The grassroots youth league, which is one of the biggest in London, is set to offer 180 boys and girls teams ranging from under-8s to 16s the chance to play eight- and 12-a-side matches in Regent’s Park between now and April 2012.

“It’s about getting kids playing and that’s the whole point,” said co-ordinator Will Cave, who, along with Ash Rahman and Emma Hayes, is part of the independent community group that has taken over the running of the league from Camden Council this season.

The three helped found the league in the Royal Park while working as Camden coaches over a decade ago and Hayes, who won the European Cup as Arsenal Ladies assistant manager in 2007, said she was delighted to get its 11th season underway.

She added: “I’m overwhelmed by the numbers here today.”

For more information on the league email: info@camdenandregentsparkyouthleague.com

RESULTS IN BRIEF

Under-9s:
Debutants FC Sapo Verde got off to a winner with a 4-0 victory over Highgate. Strikers Michael Maloney and Connor McGovern scored two apiece. The Heath beat Stoke Newington 13-2 with goals from Dion ­Sfarca (4), James Taylor (3), Lukas Zaicevas (2), Cameron Hannah, George Stephens and Rufus Poss Davies.

Under-10s:
Leart Bilalli scored seven as The Heath won 12-0 against Plot Ten. William John (2), Finley Gray, Reynard D’Avoine and Dorian Krasniqi also scored. Tyrell Barnes scored five goals as West End beat The Heath 5-2.

Under-13s:
Alexander Owuadey scored four and Johan Lozada one as Somers Town edged it 5-2 over SHFC.

For more results visit www.football.mitoo.co.uk