Dhekelia Cyprus Tournament Round Up

The first Women’s International 7s Football Tournament took place in October at Dhekelia Station. The competition set out to highlight high quality football skills across Women's Station football both in Cyprus and the UK, whilst also showcasing the incredible competitive spirit and sportsmanship shared by all those involved. Nine teams in total, with seven of those travelling from the UK, entered the competition:

• BFC Women’s
• BFC Leeming
• Defence Medical Academy
• 1 RLC
• Brize Norton
• RAF Honington
• RAF Wyton
• JHG SE
• RAF Marham

The games were played on a league basis with the top four teams playing for the winners’ trophies on the final afternoon. In the third and fourth place match, Brize Norton narrowly defeated Honington with three goals to two victory. The final was played between contested between two UK based teams the Defence Medical Academy narrowly beating 1 RLC by two goals to one.

The tournament concluded with an evening Award Ceremony held at Dhekelia Sergeants' Mess where all the teams, coaches, referees and administrative team came together to celebrate the success of the event. The ceremony starting with an appreciation for the tournament by Lt Col Tim Wildish, Dhekelia Station Commander, who recognised the high level of football skill displayed by all participating teams as well as the fantastic atmosphere.

The awards were presented by Major Heather Stanning OBE, double Olympic Rowing Gold Medalist, who shared the story of her own incredible sports achievements alongside her successful career commissioning in the Royal Artillery. Major Stanning highlighted key elements of her success; taking opportunities, rising to challenge and the enjoyment of sport, all concepts that were celebrated in the entirety of the tournament.