Hundreds of primary school footballers from West Devon and east Cornwall competed in Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) tournaments during September and October.

The large and small schools mixed tournaments took place on Tuesday, September 29 at Crowndale, Tavistock, with 360 players. Six teams from Lew Trenchard, Shebbear, Mary Tavy & Brentor, Bere Alston (two teams) and St Joseph’s in Launceston, contested for the cup. St Joseph’s emerged as the winners and Lew Trenchard runners-up. Lew Trenchard qualified for the Devon County Finals.

Horrabridge entered four teams into the large schools event, with one team each from Whitchurch, Tavistock, Okehampton, St Peter’s Junior in Tavistock, and St Andrew’s in Buckland Monachorum. Horrabridge A beat Okehampton 1-0 in the final to go through to the next round.

Then on Monday, October 19, 220 girls from Horrbridge, Okehampton, Boasley Cross, North Tawton, Whitchurch, Bere Alston, Lamerton, Gulworthy, Tavistock, St Peter’s in Tavistock, St James in Okehampton, and Mary Tavy & Brentor, played at Okehampton College. The combined Year 3 and Year 4 winners were Horrabridge A and the runner-up was North Tawton.

Horrabridge completed the double to win the combined Years 5 and 6 tournament after a very closely fought 1-0 win against Whitchurch in the final.

Sarah Smith, Devon FA delivery officer (women and girls), who attended the event, said: “It was fantastic to see so many girls being given an opportunity to access the game. Secondly, massive congratulations on the event. From what I saw the event went incredibly smoothly, and the girls were absolutely loving the event. Lots of really positive comments from those who I spoke to.”

Sarah added: “The event could not have been so large without the use of 12 lightweight goals borrowed from Allen Lewis of Tavistock Community Football Club. Thanks to him and also to Okehampton College young leaders who officiated over the games, as well as helping put up and take down all the sets of goals.”

The ball goes high during the Okehampton Community & Recreation Association primary school girls competition.
The ball goes high during the Okehampton Community & Recreation Association primary school girls competition. (OCRA)
Going for goal in the girls competition in the east Cornwall and West Devon primary schools football tournament. Picture by Mhairi McCall.
Going for goal in the girls competition in the east Cornwall and West Devon primary schools football tournament. (Submitted)
A hotly contested encounter during the Okehampton Community & Recreation Association large schools competition with Okehampton v Horrabridge.
A hotly contested encounter during the Okehampton Community & Recreation Association large schools competition with Okehampton v Horrabridge. (Submitted)
A shot on target at close quarters during the Okehampton Community & Recreation Association girls competition.
A shot on target at close quarters during the Okehampton Community & Recreation Association girls competition. (OCRA)