Saturday featured pool play across all divisions, followed by the knockout rounds and finals on Sunday.
With 12-minute halves, games were fast-paced and fiercely competitive.
Some teams have been attending the Alexandra tournament for more than 15 years, a testament to its enduring popularity.
The influx of players and supporters was felt across town, petrol stations reportedly selling out of ice and accommodation near capacity for the weekend.
The Alexandra Masters Men’s team, sporting their signature dark pink kits, successfully defended their title, taking out their grade for the second consecutive year.
In the women’s competition, Central Lakes was strongly represented, teams from Alexandra, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wānaka all taking to the pitch.
The tournament brought together players across generations, from players as young as 13 to grandmothers in their 50s, showing the growing reach and inclusivity of women’s football in the region.
For the Alexandra United women’s team, it was a triumphant second appearance.
After being knocked out in last year’s semifinals, the side returned determined to make their mark on home turf.
On Saturday they won four of their five games and drew the other to finish at the top of their pool.
On Sunday, they defeated Dunedin’s Basic Pitches, then survived a nail-biting penalty shootout against the Socca Foccas to reach the final.
Facing a strong Wānaka side, Alexandra dug deep and clinched the championship in another tense penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Mel Knight impressed throughout the weekend, notably scoring a goal while in goal and converting a crucial penalty despite nursing an injured calf.
Newcomer Emily Gorrell also made her debut, earning praise from officials for her speed and composure, one referee saying she had "a very bright future ahead in football”.
Cromwell’s "Junction Jennies" finished third in their group on Saturday with two wins, a draw and a loss.
They faced Queenstown Football Club in Sunday’s quarterfinal, going down in a spirited contest.
Despite a few gazebos succumbing to the gale-force winds on Saturday, the sunny weather and vibrant atmosphere carried through both days, with strong support for all teams right to the final whistle.
Alexandra United women’s team spokeswoman Alyssa Serignese said the weekend showcased both progress and passion for women’s football in the region.
“It was an epic two days — the ladies fought hard and gave 110% every single game,” she said.
“We hope this weekend shows how much women’s football is growing here. The talent, teamwork and support across the region is inspiring and we just want to see even more girls and women getting involved.”
Local clubs are already turning their focus to next season and all eyes will be on March, when league play kicks off once again.
— Allied Media
