OVER the past couple of months, the Manly Warringah Football Association (MWFA) staged a number of highly successful junior gala days for girls.
Age groups ranged from the under-8s to under-11s, at pitches such as Melwood Oval, Dee Why Oval, Lionel Watts Reserve and David Thomas.
Manly Vale hosted the first gala day for the under-8s age group, with heavy rain on the day failing to dampen the spirits of those who took part.
Louise Walker, the vice-president for Girls and Women in the MWFA, paid tribute to those who worked tirelessly to get the events up and running.
“A massive thanks to each of the four clubs who hosted the gala days, and to the MWFRA for providing referees for the matches,” she said.
“Thank you also to Michele Edwards for juggling the draws and arranging all the medallions and trophies as well as Lee-Anne Sestanovich for co-ordinating all four gala days.
“All up, we had 100 teams play more than 200 matches a massive effort.
“Well done to all involved.”
The chief aim of the gala days was to celebrate grassroots girls football in the mini-roos age groups.
Plans are in place to maintain or potentially increase the number of gala days for the 2018 season, as the MWFA supports the growing number of girls enjoying the world game.
