Hertel Riverside Festival

Sunday the 18th of May saw 84 converge on the Riverside Stadium for the much anticipated Hertel Riverside Festival 2008.
The boys event was played over 4 age groups of Under 7, 8, 9 and 10, whilsts the girls played at under 12, 14 and 16's.
On a day where the sun shone for long periods thanks must go to the competition supporters, Mainside Developments,
VisualSoft, Integrated Office Systems, Arena Services, Onyx Group and Hertel who kindly sponsored the event as a whole
for the second year running.

This years event was set to ultra competitive with 20 teams competing in most of the age groups, these 20 teams were split
into 4 groups of 5 teams with only oneteam to progress from each of the groups into the semi finals. This meant that generally
any sort of slip up would put pressure on any of the teams and only 3/4 wins out of 4 would see you safely through.

Teams would have been forgiven for letting the nerves get to them on such a big occasion and with games being limited to 6
minutes the pressure was on teams to play positive attacking football from the start. Which most teams certainly did, throwing
caution to the wind which made for highly entertaining end to end games in such short periods.

The group stages brought lots of upsets and suprises with many of the pre competition favourites going out in the group stages.
The semi finals brought the Russian roulette of a sudden death penalty shoot out into play for the teams unlucky enough to draw
and in a six minute game this outcome was more than likely. As predicted, games were drawn and penalties were upon the teams,
the pressure of supporters in the stand and fellow team mates behind them would have felt much like national sides players in
the World Cup. Unfortunately someone had to play the hero or villain, penalties were missed, scored and saved, the winners
progressed to play teams who were fortunate enough to avoid the agony of penalties in the final. Although some teams made more
than sure that they missed the agony of penalties and did the job at the first time of asking.

Winners and Runners Up

Under 7

Winner - Teesside Athletic -
Dan Simpkin, Ryan Newton, Josh Lyth, Matthew Hollinghworth,
Alex Smith, Jake Lance, Brandon Breckon.

Runner Up - Boro Rangers Red
Joseph Gibson, Luke Harris, Joseph Knott, Reece Pressgrave,
Ben Small, Aidan Twohig.

Under 8

Winner - Marton FC
Joe Shipp, James Field, Donny Hughes, Kurtis Howes, Jake Coleman,
Callum Guilfoyle, Harry Fishlock, Jack Rennie.

Runners Up - Thirsk Falcons
Luke Brownlee, Lewis Banthorpe, Jay Coyne, Otis Williams, Louis Benoit,
Max Reed, Jimmy Evans, George Turner, Allan Hudson, Alfie McCalmont,
Ben Calvert, Georgina Owens, Jordan Wright.

Under 9

Winner - Redcar Town 2
Daniel Twiby, Ryan Buckton, Conner Gent, Luke Williams, JJ Moir,
Ryan Pearson, Owen Armstrong.

Runners Up - Rangers Green
Ben Tomlinson, Luke Duffy, Josh Farmer, James Burdon, Brandon O'Brien.

Under 10

Winner - North Ormesby B
Josh Mckenna, Brad Urwin, Tyrell Wardell, Charlie McElvaney,
Nicky Young, Louis Monaghan, Ethan Paterson, Cameron Youngs.

Runners Up - Hart United
Josh Ainslie, Matthew Taylor, Lewis Boylen, Leon Adams ,Ellis Kelly
Wes Faint, Callum Short, Matthew Jackson ,Aaron I’Anson.

Congratulations to all the winners of competition on the day and everybody who took part in what was undoubtedly a massive success.
Thanks must go to the players, managers and supporters for creating such a special atmosphere at the Riverside. 

Kind Words From The Day/Feedback

Redcar Town FC send many thanks to you and your team for a wonderful day at the festival on Sunday, it was a day our kids will remember
for a long time. The organisation was top draw the staff were so friendly and informative it was a joy to be there, lets hope anyone else
thinking of organising a Tournament looks at the way you and your staff handled the day and learn valuable lessons from that? Once again
well done to you and your team on a special day.
 
Kind Regards,
 
Michael / Billy

Thanks to you and your staff for a superb tournament on Sunday. It was very well organised and everybody was really friendly which added
to the enjoyment. We were particularly pleased to reach the final of the Under 8 tournament but unfortunately lost on sudden death penalties.
 
Best Wishes
Tim
Thirsk Falcons U8's

Many Thanks for the excellent organisation of your tournament at the Riverside. Coaching , parents and most of all our 20 under 7 players all
thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. As a coach at Teesside Athletic we hope we can support you in any forthcoming ventures and would love to become
part of your Friday Night League when it re starts.

Kieran Smith

Just a quick note to thank the club for putting on the event. A fabulous experience for the team and a really well organised tournament.
We'll keep our eyes peeled for next year. If you have an e-mailing list please put us on it.

Regards

Vaughan Lonsdale
Thirsk Falcons U7s