‘Lots of goals scored’ at Sunnyvale junior tournament

Maori Hill 6th Maroon players Ava Couling (left), Olivia McIntyre and Alice Ussher try to take the ball from Roslyn Wakari player Tolise Alesana. Photos: Gerard O'Brien

Melchester Rovers player Jack Weatherall (5) is pleased he scored a goal against Green Island.

Northern Black player Max Collins (5) fights for the ball with Green Island Bears player Peighton Lloyd (5).

Harbourside Rays player Archie Morrell (7) gets into the spirit of the tournament.

Young spectator Jesse Pellowe (5) enjoys an ice cream.

Melchester Rovers player Charlotte Summers (8) dives to get to the ball ahead of Dunedin Tech Maroon player Max Nation (9).

There was plenty of support for players at the Sunnyvale junior football tournament yesterday.

Despite the cold wind, spirits were high at the Green Island Junior Football Club seven-a-side tournament at Sunnyvale yesterday.

The tournament involved clubs from Dunedin and Balclutha and players ranged in age from 3 to 13. Roslyn Wakari Trotters coach Steve Brown said it was the first time his team — made up of four 5-year-olds and a 3-year-old — had taken part.

The morning was "great" with four wins and a draw.

The side took home the prize for the 6th grade. The team’s 3-year-old player, whose father was in the Roslyn Wakari club, was "happy as" and delighted to go home with a medal, Mr Brown said.

"I think he was the youngest player there."

On the whole, the tournament had been a good day, although it was quite demanding for the young players.

"We were pretty lucky the rain and the snow stayed away."

Children and adults queued up to get hot drinks, ice creams and hotdogs from stalls set up on the Sunnyvale ground.

Organiser Dave Hand said he was pleased with how the event went and reported there were "lots of goals scored".

Games kicked off in the morning.

The last game began about 3.30pm.