GIRLS from Alton Primary Cluster faced off when they met for a friendly football tournament - with Rowledge securing the silverware.

The tournament, held on January 31 at Anstey Park, pitted ten young teams against one another and proved a success, despite the conditions.

“We managed to get through our tournament in the cold weather,” said Alton Primary Cluster PE teacher Leo Maliphant.

He extended “a big thank you” to Alton Football Club and Eggar’s.

“We wouldn’t have been able to hold the tournament without their help and well done to all taking part,” he added. “It was a cold day with some fantastic football and great sportsmanship.”

Following the stiff competition, Rowledge Primary School emerged victorious, with Anstey Junior and Medstead Primary coming in second and third place respectively.

The Alton Cluster is made up of 15 schools located in the town and the surrounding villages of East Hampshire. The cluster covers three stages – Early Years, KS1 and KS2 – and offers a wide range of teaching experiences in good and outstanding infant, junior and all-through primary schools. The schools have been collaborating for more than ten years.

“Just like children, each of our 15 schools has an individual character, shape and size. However, we are bonded by one common goal: to provide exceptional education and opportunities for every child,” the group states.

“‘Building strong foundations for life’ is our strap line and it is a phrase we live every day.”

Alton has a thriving youth football community. Alton FC describes its junior section as the “heartbeat of the club”.

Crucially, the club has worked hard over the years to create an environment that welcomes and develops boys and girls of all abilities.

“We are unique in Hampshire in offering opportunities for male and female players from under six all the way through to senior regional football,” the club explains.

Alton FC offers five, seven, nine and 11 a-side football competitively in league structures as well as non-competitive development football.

To see how your child can get involved, email [email protected]

Results: 1 Rowledge; 2 Anstey Junior; 3 Medstead; 4 The Butts; 5 Chawton; 6 Selborne; 7 Bentworth 2; 8 Binsted; 9 Medstead 2; 10 Bentworth.