2008 - MATTY DALTON TOURNAMENT  - NOW FULL

The club would like to announce that due to the popularity of its fourth Annual Tournament and the third dedicated to the memory of our dear player Matty Dalton who passed away in August 2005 we have had to close the competition to new entries as it is now full to bursting.

This year's tournament is taking place on Saturday 30th August (U7's, U9's and U11's) and Sunday 31st August (U8's, U10's and U12's) at the new 3G and grass facilities at Brierley Avenue Failsworth. As in previous years, the U7's through to U10's will be mini soccer tournaments with the U11's and U12's taking part in 11-a-side competitions. Age Groups will be for the 2008/2009 season as this is a pre-season tournament.

The two days will culminate with a spectacular and emotional balloon release in memory and celebration of Matty's life which will be organised by his mum, dad, family and friends.

This years is going to be even better than previous years and that is saying something. Last year saw over 1000 players take part across two wonderful days with some breathtaking football that culminated in the release of over 4000 balloons on the second and re-arranged day in memory of Matty. The balloons this year travelled to Scandinavia as the wind took them much further north than last year when they went to the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and Holland when Matty's mum and dad received some fantastic tributes from all over Europe. This year we aim to surpass even all that as we now have over 100 teams registered to take part meaning we we will have over 1400 players playing in this years event.

Want to buy some balloons? Click on the downloads section and download a balloon sheet. Failing that, contact Tournament Co-ordinator, Leo Turner on 07725407839 or email him at leomturner@aol.com or leoturner@failsworthdynamos.co.uk

Tournament History

The Tournament first took place in 2005 and was co-ordinated by the clubs Child Protection Officer (amongst many other roles), Dave Shenton.

Following on from the great success of that first year, Phil Evans, the clubs U10’s manager and Mini Soccer Co-ordinator, took over the reigns and produced a tournament that is being talked about as one of the best in the Manchester area catering for U7’s as they prepare for their first season in football and also for U8’s and U9’s at mini soccer level.

Last season’s tournament was renamed the 'Matty Dalton Tournament' in memory of our dear player and the weekend took on a whole new approach as clubs came from far and wide to help pay tribute to Matty and see the balloon release on the Sunday (see Balloon page). 2006 Also saw the launch of U10’s and U11’s at eleven as side. One of the few tournaments that cater for this type of football playing short 15 minute games encouraging attacking play with extra points for goals scored.

The tournament is fully affiliated with Manchester County, is aimed at the enjoyment of youngsters with the right blend of competitive junior football but with medals for all who take part at Mini Soccer level (see above for entry details)

Matty D - A Dynamo Forever

See below for past winners