There was plenty of talent on show at the Isle of Man Bank-sponsored Douglas and District Primary School Football Tournament, staged at The Bowl in Douglas.
 
The event was organised by the Isle of Man FA and Onchan Primary School head teacher Jo Richardson and saw 16 teams taking part – some schools fielding more than one side.
 
After a tough competition, taking place in bright sunshine throughout the afternoon, Ballacottier emerged victorious.
 
Teams were split into four group pools and proceeded to play some keenly fought games. There were some excellent goals scored and many close matches as the full array of footballing talent was put on show.
 
At the end of the pool stage, the winners and runners-up of each group proceeded into the quarter-finals with the third placed team entering into the Plate competition.
 
The quarter-finals all proved to be close matches as the players gave their all to reach the semi-finals. Onchan managed to beat Laxey, while Cronk-y-Berry beat Scoill Yn Jubilee, Ballacottier won against St Mary’s and Ashley Hill saw success against Henry Bloom Noble (Fairfield) A.
 
Although tiredness and some injuries were beginning to take effect, both semi-finals lived up to their potential.  Onchan overcame Cronk-Y-Berry 2-0, while there was high excitement in the other semi-final as Ballacottier and Ashley Hill went to extra time and then penalties for the right to play Onchan in the final. Eventually, Ballacottier edged through.
 
The Plate competition, saw Anagh Coar, Vallajeelt, Laxey and Scoill Yn Jubilee competing for for a place in the final. After two tough matches, Anagh Coar met Vallajeelt in the final and, once again, the match went to extra time. The game remained scoreless so it moved on to  penalties before Anagh Coar finally triumphed.
 
Over at the main final between Ballacottier and Onchan a closely fought game was taking place, with both teams probing, trying to unlock the other’s defences.
 
Resolute defending by Ballacottier ensured the game would go to extra time as the game ended 0-0.  After extra time, with determination by all to win the match the two teams could still not be separated and so the dreaded penalties loomed again.
 
This time, Ballacottier triumphed to pick up the trophy in the Isle of Man Bank-sponsored contest.
 
IOMFA development officer Lewis Qualtrough thanked Isle of Man Bank for providing the trophies for the player of the competition, the winners and runners up.
 
He also thanked the referees who helped to manage the games, the staff from the different schools that trained and brought the children along to the event and finally thanked the pupils for an enjoyable afternoon of soccer.
 
Colin Moore, Business Manager at Isle of Man Bank, praised the excellent standard of soccer that was played by different pupils and teams.
 
Sam Baines, of Onchan School, was selected by the referees as the player of the competition and he was praised for his endeavor by Mr Qualtrough as he was presented with his trophy. 
 
Organiser Jo Richardson said: ‘It was a very successful afternoon of glorious football in the sun drenched Isle of Man with some terrific football and teamwork by all who took part.’
 
Photo - Colin Moore, Business Manager at Isle of Man Bank, with the winning team from Ballacottier.