LOASS FC U14 Girls off to play in CHINA

Loass U14 Girls football team have been invited to play in an international tournament next week in Chengdu China. The Chinese government are funding the whole team to go. The girls come from 10 different schools in the borough, for some it is their first time on a plane and their first time out of the UK. They are playing teams from China, Singapore, France and several other countries. 
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One of the girls had never kicked a football a year ago. She went to a council funded event and signed up to play. One year later, the girls have been invited to the House of Lords to give their views on the future of British Sport, they have won the Essex Cup, and are now off to China. The Council deserves great credit for encouraging girls and young women into sport and this is a perfect example of it.
On Wednesday 28th June 2017, Naheed Ashgar and Joyce Guthrie from the Council came along and we took some photos for the local paper and for she kicks magazine

 Names of adults in the photo: Cllr Naheed Ashgar, Joyce Guthrie (Head of Parks and Leisure LBWF), Kevin Johnston ( U/14 girls coach), Bob Carn ( Head Coach), Oliver Zheng (Trip Organiser)

LOASS FC Girls have been invited to the China International Sister-City Youth Football Tournament, in Meishan City , Sichuan Province. The team will be named as “London LOASS “ for the competition,
 
“This is a wonderful opportunity for these children to experience Chinese culture, the hospitality of the hosts and organisers and also, make many friends from China and from the other guest countries. LOASS FC is the only team from England in both boys and girls competition, so we are very proud to be representing LOASS, London and England!”
 
The team that is attending this tournament in Meishan consists of 12 members from Under 14 (2002/03) squad from the recently finished 2016/17 season. They meet once a week for training, and play matches on Sundays from September to May. This past season was the first time the team has played 11-a-side football, a step up from 9-a-side in the previous seasons. They finished the season on a high, winning a league knock-out tournament, the Presidents Cup. The game was won on penalties after an epic 3-3 draw after extra time.
 
1. Zara Wickert- Tough, brave and vocal, Zara has kept goal brilliantly since joining in November.
 
2. Maggie Zhou- In her first season, tough tackler Maggie has settled into the team and improved remarkably well.
 
3. Jaena Tolliday- Solid tackler, very quick and a great striker of the ball, Jaena always poses a threat to the opposition.
 
4. Sian Lakes- Reliable and determined defender, Sian has great vision and also a great shot.
 
5. Kate Lucas- Goes about her defensive duties efficiently and without fuss, reliable Kate is also very good reader of the game.
 
6. Evie Johnston- A very tricky winger and a great striker of the ball, Evie plays with skill and determination.
 
7. Elisabeth Santiago- Enthusiastic in every game, Liz is a quick, powerful player, always capable of scoring from all situations.
 
8. Brogan Jeffers-Cass- A vital player and inspiration for the team, Brogan can play anywhere on the pitch with total commitment, and pop up with a goal.
 
9. Shayna Cameron- Great at winning, holding the ball and taking on defenders, Shayna also chips in with vital goals.
 
10. Eve Pearson- The youngest in the team, Eve is a busy, skilful team player who always gets herself involved in the game.
 
11.Katie Reeves- In her first season, Katie's confidence and ability has improved so much, she is a regular starter. A smart player with great awareness.
 
13.Maddie Regan- Always up for the game, Maddie plays effectively in any position, a really impressive first season for her.
 
 “This group of players are a very spirited and determined bunch of girls, who enjoy the game in a sporting manner and always try to play good football. We are looking forward to the challenges this tournament will bring ”