The Manatees/Cedar U16 and U11 girls’ football teams showcased their talent at the Summer Kick Off Football Tournament in St. Croix, with the U16 team clinching the championship and the U11 team earning a respectable second place.

At the beginning of July, the U16s secured the Championship In a thrilling championship match  against the St. Thomas based – Castaways Football Club. The game was intense with both teams creating numerous chances, but it remained scoreless at halftime. A penalty kick by Giada Palladino ultimately decided the game, earning the team a 1-0 victory and the championship trophy. Giada Palladino also received the Golden Glove Trophy, while Millie Cottreau was honored as MVP and Evie Stanton took home the Golden Boot Trophy. The team’s success was further bolstered by the solid defending of Aerin Westlake, Maisy Sutherland Pilch, and Lily Graham, the midfield prowess of Charlie Seddon, Isla Meyers, and Emily Jackson, who scored two remarkable goals and striker/team captain Eva Carey who would also contribute 2 goals.

Meanwhile the U11s displayed a remarkable comeback in an attempt to defend their previous year’s title, as they won four out of five round-robin games to advance to the finals against the undefeated Lady Rovers #1 team.

Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, the team made a stunning comeback to lead 3-2, with key contributions from Hannah Eddy (Keeper who had two clean sheets and a plethora of remarkable saves), Haven Meyers (central defender with perhaps the goal of the tournament in the 5th game), Dottie Whitting-Knight (resolute defending, injured in the championship game), Livia Vass (a goal in the final), Piper Bailey (midfielder who would find the back of the goal in the 4th game), Jemma Sutherland Pilch (played tough and determined throughout the tournament), Jannah Bazzar (an incredible assist in the 5th game) Mira Meyers (played tough throughout), Ivey-Rose Butler (played keeper for first two games and created chances for her teammates when playing forward) and top team scorer and team MVP Evelyn Freeman (8 goals). However, the Lady Rovers managed to equalize and score a late winner for a dramatic 4-3 finish.

The tournament concluded with the Tropical Bliss Ball awards ceremony held at Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted, where players and teams celebrated their achievements, spoke to journalists and supporters and enjoyed a festive evening with good food and dancing under the stars.