Awards for Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth Football League
Hundreds of young footballers were awarded for their commitment to the beautiful game this season in a special presentation ceremony.
The Hackney Marshes Saturday Youth Football League, created by the London Borough of Hackney and sponsored by Hackney Homes, sees around 300 youngsters from 13 clubs take part in training and matches every weekend.
All the players received medals, and the most successful teams picked up trophies, at the ceremony last month.
Special guest Sonia Bradley, Youth Co-ordinator for Housing Services at Hackney Homes, handed out the awards to the players, aged between seven and 16.
The League demonstrates the borough’s commitment to giving many local clubs, children and young people the opportunity to take part in the country’s favourite sport and to get and stay healthy in the process. The League attracts players from many different backgrounds and is the perfect platform for community cohesion. David Beckham used to train at Hackney Marshes and, who knows, maybe there are more England captains-in-the-making playing in our League.
Ahmet Ayden, 18, said: "I joined Salaam Peace in 2011 and began playing for the U16s and then U21s team in the Hackney Marshes League.
"This last season, I was manager for the Salaam Peace U10s team. This has allowed me to share my knowledge with the younger generation who too have benefited from playing in a league that makes it easy for all to access."
The League also offers club development workshops, provided by the FA Charter Standard and FA Tesco Skills Sessions, for coaches and officials both during the season and in the winter break.
If you are a club who are interested in joining the League for the 2014/15 season, then please contact Michael Cole at michael.cole@hackney.gov.uk