THE Gloucestershire FA’s inaugural all-day girls’ finals festival proved a real hit with participants and spectators at the Oaklands Park 3G football centre in Almondsbury last weekend.

AEK Boco, Bristol Ladies Union (Red and Yellow), Bradley Stoke and Bristol Ravens competed for honours in the under-13s category, while Frampton Rangers, Forest Green Rovers and Bristol Ladies Union were among those vying for the under-15s prize.

The two nine-a-side competitions were run in group format initially, before Bristol Ladies Union went on to pip Bradley Stoke Youth 1-0 in the under-13s final, and Frampton Rangers overcame Forest Green Rovers 4-0 in the under-15s showdown.

Bradley Stoke’s Martin Lee said the tournament “went like a dream and was well organised”, while Frampton Rangers’ Tony Michael enthused: “The girls really enjoyed the day and everyone got plenty of football with the format and the 40-minute games.”

GFA women and girls football development officer Alexis Lunn-Gadd added: “Although it was a new all-day format for county cup finals, both the under-13s and under-15s competitions were very successful. Players got plenty of game time and it enabled a real festival atmosphere to be created, with parents and spectators being present all day.

“We were delighted that Roy Schafer, chairman of the GFA cups committee (South), and Grace McCatty (Bristol Academy Women FC captain), were in attendance to present the medals, while Grace spoke to players and had photos taken to inspire and enthuse their participation in the game.”