Girls from schools across Devon came together to compete in a tournament established in memory of former journalist and Exeter City Community Trust operations manager Catherine Fraser.
The six-a-side tournament featured 15 teams of year seven girls and took place at the Exwick Sports Hub.
The winning teams were St Peter’s School and Teign School. Catherine’s mum Glenda Riley and daughter Dulcie Fraser were present to award the teams their trophies, alongside Exeter City Women’s Team Captain Manfy Sharpe.
The teams competing in the event were from Tiverton High School; Colyton Grammar School; The Maynard School; Teignmouth Community School; Queen Elizabeth’s School; West Exe High School; Sidmouth Community College; Isca Academy; Clyst Vale Community College; St Peter’s School; Cullompton Community College, and Teign School.
Glenda Riley donated funds to set up the annual tournament after Catherine passed away in 2015 after losing her battle with breast cancer. The tournament was organised by Exeter City Community Trust, where Catherine worked following her career as a journalist at The Times in London and more locally at the Express & Echo.
Jamie Vittles, chief executive of Exeter City Community Trust, said: ‘We were really pleased to be able to hold the tournament again this year, following a break due to Covid. Catherine was one of the first female sports editors at a national newspaper; she broke down barriers and never let any obstacles stand in her way. We’re proud to organise this tournament in her memory for the young female players of today.
“We’re grateful to Glenda for continuing to support this event, which gives young female footballers the chance to compete, to develop their skills, and to have fun whilst being physically active.”
Exeter City Community Trust runs a number of programmes to encourage girls of all ages to participate in football, starting with sessions for tots from aged four and Grecian Girls sessions for ages five to 14. It also runs the Girls’ Development Centre for 9 - 16 year-olds, from which players move on to the Exeter College Academy, with a pathway ultimately to the Exeter City Women’s team.
For more information about girls and women’s football, visit www.exetercct.org
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