Ross Juniors FC’s tournament was a huge success, 94 teams booked to attend and all of them turned up, and with over 950 football players and 4000 spectators the event was a fantastic weekend to remember.

After a five year break, Ross Juniors FC were keen to establish their annual football tournament. This, though, is no small matter, with any well run tournament taking months of preparation and then as the event appears on the calendar much last minute work to ensure its success. The girls section co-ordinator, Kevin Evans, volunteered to run the event and was ably supported by U12 manager, Louise Rowberry, and club secretary, Mike Tompkins. Everything was running to plan until last weekend’s weather hit Ross. The early Friday downpour was dealt with, but then a sudden burst of thunder and lightening put some pitches under water and deterred some campers. The work of groundsman, Robert Wilband, was immense and despite the weather, the pitches quickly recovered and have never looked better, with many visiting teams commenting on how brilliant they were.

Despite the setback, the tournament ran on Saturday, June 8th and Sunday, June 9th at Wilton Sports Centre. Teams from Pontypool, Newport, Bristol, Weston-Super-Mare, Tipton, Birmingham and Cardiff all entered ensuring a very high standard of football. In addition to the football, teams were offered the chance to camp over, all money donated to camp went to St Michael’s Hospice in memory of former club manager Karen King who sadly passed away last year.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here