Ballerz FC (left), who won the Year 7 & Year 8 Trophy; and (inset) QCCA, Year 9 and 10 champs

Published: 20 February 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

SCORES of talented young footballers from Camden and Islington flocked to Market Road on Monday to kick off their half-term holidays with a scintillating chase for silverware.

More than 200 players took part in the football festival, the first of five youth-led tournaments that will be held at the pitches in Islington this year.

Having netted £3,000 from Capital FM’s charity, Help a Capital Child, a squad of young sports leaders from the Queen’s Crescent Community Association (QCCA) quickly set about coming up with a plan to get local youngsters more active.

They teamed up with Prospex, Arsenal in the Community and London Youth to organise a series of competitions aimed at giving more than 1,000 young people the chance to play football for free.

Despite one or two teething problems on the day, sport development co-ordinator at QCCA Jonathan Montgomery, was pleased with the footballing fiesta. “On behalf of the youth steering group and the delivery partners I’d like to thank all the teams who took part,” he said.

“Developing young people as future community sports leaders is one of our key missions and the first of our festivals gave them a great grounding, which I know they will learn and improve upon moving forward.”

Goalkeeper Steven Kennedy-Clarke was among the players from QCCA celebrating after helping his team capture the Year 9 and 10 title.

The shot-stopper made two big saves as QCCA beat fellow finalists AFC Wembley on penalties.

Delighted manager Nathan Yarnie said, “The boys deserve their win, they played well throughout the day and took their chances in front of goal.”

Islington’s Ballerz FC won the Year 7 and Year 8 trophy after overcoming Bollo United in the final.