The energy and excitement on Saturday 16th August were high, and we’re not just talking about Watford FC’s first home game of the season! Young footballers, families, and fans came together for the Season Opener tournament.
Hosted by Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust at Meriden Community Centre, the tournament welcomed seven youth teams from across Hertfordshire and North London, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. With plenty of happy faces and great football on show, the day was the perfect celebration of community, competition, and the love of the beautiful game.
The teams in attendance were Croxley Green Whites (U10), Wealdstone U10 Blues, Abbotts Youth (U10), Harpenden Youth (U9), Sarratt Rebels (U9), Bushey Rangers (U9), and Goff’s Oak (U10). After an exciting group stage filled with skill, determination, and great sportsmanship, four teams progressed to the semi-finals: Bushey Rangers, Wealdstone U10 Blues, Croxley Green Whites, and Abbotts Youth.
The semi-final matches were closely contested, with all teams showing incredible teamwork and talent. In the end, it was Bushey Rangers who triumphed in the final, lifting the trophy after a fantastic performance throughout the day. Goff’s Oak’s number ten, Sophia, was also awarded the ‘Player of the Tournament’ for her resilience and skill shown on the day.
But the football fun didn’t stop there. As part of this unique experience, players and coaches received a ticket to watch Watford FC’s first home game of the EFL Championship season at Vicarage Road Stadium, where they witnessed Watford take on QPR in a thrilling encounter, the Hornets taking the 2-1 win.
A huge thank you goes out to all the teams, families, volunteers, coaches, and organisers who helped make the event a success.
Throughout the season, the Trust has a range of football opportunities for grassroots clubs, including Matchday Packages. As part of these packages, participants aged between 6 and 16 years old can enjoy a 90-minute coaching session with Watford FC’s Community Sports and Education Trust coaches on a 3G pitch at Westfield Academy (Tolpits Lane, Watford, WD18 6NS) before taking the short walk to Vicarage Road Stadium to enjoy a Watford FC men’s first team league fixture. For a full list of available fixtures, please visit www.watfordfccsetrust.com/project/matchday-packages/ or contact matchdaypackage@watfordfc.com
