Our three CCFC 5’s teams came together to organise a fun five-a-side tournament on January 30 to raise money for our changing rooms appeal. 

Football had finally returned to The Old Spotted Dog Ground, albeit unofficially and all behind closed doors, but these are mere details, what matters is that a great time was had on a bright, sunny day in Newham and a stonking £350 was raised!

The premise was simple – invite beginners teams from across East London to take part in a round robin style group stage split into two groups, with the winners of each group battling it out in a final.

All entry fees would be donated to the CCFC appeal, there would be hot drinks, snacks and music provided, and there would be medals and prizes for the winning team, runners up, top scorer and top goalie.

Here’s how it went down…

Our friends MSA & Frenford, Leon FC, Queerspace FC and Upton Sparks went head to head with our established 5s teams: The CCFC Massives, The CCFC Bangers, The CCFC Belters as well as a brand new team formed especially for the tournament, The CCFC Cobblers (they win best name, hands down). 

Each 20 minute match was played over two DIY five-a-side pitches that had been placed out on the grass of the OSD. With many teams having only played on artificial turf before it was a real treat to be on the grass, not least for their knees!

The four CCFC teams were split evenly between the two groups, and despite some excellent goals and hard fought battles between them all it was the brilliant MSA & Frenford and Queerspace FC who came out on top of each group and headed into the final. 

The closely contested final looked like it was going to end in a penalty shoot out as Frenford fought back after going behind, but top scorer of the tournament Lily edged the winner for Queerspace FC with a stunning strike, and having played every single minute of each match up to that point, it was particularly impressive to see their energy and determination to win. 

Huge congratulations go to Queerspace FC who basically cleaned up on the prizes front, wiith keeper Eva winning top goalie, striker Lily winning top scorer and the team winning the top prizes of a huge eight person pizza with drinks kindly donated by Well Street Pizza in Hackney, and four tickets to see Years & Years at Wembley which was organised by our very own Lisa from CCFC Massives. 

Thanks go to all the teams that took part and made it such a special day, as well as to Simon and Yusuf for refereeing and to our wonderful five-a-side coaches Ellie and Julie, without whom none of this would ever have been possible.

More photos below…