Mayor Lutfur Rahman thanks Cup footballers

THE MAYOR’S Football Cup is the highlight of the local football season. The September matches close the summer of amateur games and bring in the new season of competition locally and nationally.

It’s a fitting time for Mayor Lutfur Rahman to look back on the competition. He formally congratulated everyone involved in what, for participants, is so much more than just a kickabout championship. “The Mayor’s Football Cup is a fantastic celebration of grassroots football, bringing communities together through the power of sport,” he said. “Every year, the tournament inspires residents of all ages to stay active, build connections, and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. My thanks go to all the players, officials, partners, sponsors, and supporters whose passion and commitment made this year’s competition another great success.”

The Labour Government sometimes doubts Tower Hamlets Council’s ability to work in partnership with others. Let’s hope they give credit to the Council for bringing over 1,000 player and 73 teams together in this competition – as well as teachers, coaches, family and friends of those taking part. This grassroots tournament marks a real grassroots partnership which is only possible because of the investment the Mayor has made in community football.

There were several categories for the various teams to enter – and several champions to cheer. Congratulations to the winners – and the runners-up.

Open Age Men’s Trophy
Winners: Azzuri All Stars (who were 1-0 down against Stepney Youth at half time but came back to win 3-1).

Open Age Women’s Trophy
Winners: Ladies East Academy (last year’s runners-up, they beat Tower Hamlets Women’s team in the final).

Under-16s
Winners: Vallance (who drew 1-1 with One Goal in normal time but won 5-4 on penalties).

Under-14s
Winners: the Black Team from Frontline Community (who beat the Gold Team from Frontline Community 4-0). During the match, teams and officials paid tribute to Banta Sillah, their young captain who died this summer in Millwall Docks).
Juniors
Vallance won three titles in finals played the day before the above groups. Mile End Sporting and Central Tigers won one title each.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Maium Talukdar, joined representatives from sponsors Clarion Futures, Canary Wharf Group, Guildmore and Riney to present medals to participants and trophies to the winners. You may think it’s all over… but it isn’t. Matches for the Mayor’s Girls School Cup will be played on 8th October at Mile End Stadium mini-pitches.

●Read more about it:
Mayor Lutfur Rahman mourns drowned teen
Dr Zakir Khan hands out medals at Community Shield