For the second year, the club hosted the South Island 10th grade festival with the Selwyn United Black team winning the Martin Allen Trophy in a penalty shootout against FC Nelson.
Both teams were level at 3-3 at full-time and the end of extra time, with the shootout going Selwyn United’s way.
South Canterbury Green won the second-tier Jym Findlay Trophy while Waimak United won the 10th grade.
Ground manager Gerard de Rooy said with 36 teams and more than 360 kids taking part, it was one of the largest football events in the South Island.
“Saturday’s wet weather made things interesting but the finals day on Sunday was wonderful and everything went smoothly.
He said the festival approach as opposed to a tournament was based around trying to strike a balance between competition and getting kids involved.
He said with it being a seven-a-side tournament and squads of 10, each player would be involved more in games and get more touches on the ball.
“That’s where we are seeing success, if kids can feel like they are a part of something they are more likely to stay in the sport.’’
It is the second year Selwyn United has run the event, which drew teams from Nelson, the West Coast and South Canterbury.
Mr de Rooy said the event would be back again next year.
