It’s back! The Essex County FA’s free annual Adult Pre-Season Tournament will this year take place at Fairways Sports & Social Club in Harlow to thank Charter Standard Clubs for their efforts in maintaining best practice.
Saturday 31st July is the date booked for the men’s tournament at Parsloe Road, while the female equivalent takes place the following day, and each is approximately scheduled to run between 10:00am and 4:00pm. The event will consist of shortened eleven-a-side ‘round robin’ group matches, eventually leading to a grand final. There will be prizes for the victors and the runners-up, plus a team of fair play winners will be named.
Last season over 450 players participated at Marconi Sport & Leisure Club in Chelmsford and Brightlingsea Regent and West Ham United Ladies were amongst the celebrated winners, remaining unbeaten to take home some County silverware. Squads traditionally use the days as key preparation for the new campaign and work on team building and match fitness. Club Development Officer, Ian Bent, is looking forward to the event.
He commented: “This tournament was first organised in 2005 and it’s been an ever-present in the Essex County FA’s events diary ever since. Each year this event is organised as a reward for the efforts of our adult Charter Standard Clubs throughout the season. West Ham United Ladies have already confirmed their entry into the tournament so I am hopeful we will have both winners present to defend their trophies!”
Fairways has recently seen £50,000 worth of Olympic Legacy funding injected into natural pitch and drainage works to benefit around 17 adults and youth clubs of both genders, and the venue is also regularly used for courses. “Fairways was chosen to ensure the tournament continues to move around Essex so it isn’t always in the same venue year after year,” Ian added. “Last year was the largest the tournament has ever been in terms of players, teams, spectators and referees. We have a new home for it in a different part of the County this season but we’re still aiming for similar numbers.”
To book a place, simply complete the form available in 'Related Documents' and return it by Friday 23rd July to: Ian Bent, Essex County FA, The County Office, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 5LB. Alternatively, contact Ian on (01245) 393094 or via ian.bent@essexfa.com for further details. Places will be limited to two teams per club on a first come, first served basis.
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