During the second week of first term school holidays the Kia Orana Youth Football Festival 2021 started a fun-filled and teachable journey like no other for each footballer, ending with lessons learnt, skills gained and trophies won. Although not everyone took home a trophy on Saturday, all players, managers and coaches took with them a win in their hearts, new skills, the feeling of accomplishment and are ready to come back for the next Kia Orana Youth Football Festival in 2023.
A finals match like never seen before, had grandstands filled with supporters who howled with the wind on Saturday cheering for their teams. Players brought out with them one last time their pride, skills, and above all their faith which guided them all through this weeklong tournament giving them the win they deserved.
Taking with them the first-place trophy in the U18s Division, the ladies from Tupapa Maraerenga won 2-1 against Aitutaki earning them their first-place spot and Aituaki 2nd. Coming in 3rd placing for the womens division from the westside Puaikura, who won their game 3-0 against Mangaia.
Beating the undefeated U18 Men from Nikao Sokattak, the Men from Aitutaki won 3-1 in a final match that had the grandstand off their feet. In the fight for 3rd place the Men from Tupapa Maraerenga won their match playing Mangaia, with the score 6-1.
At Takitumu Field, the U15s played with heart and talent in all their matches and came off all winners no matter the results. The girls from Puaikura came on to the field hunting when playing against the maidens of Auau Enua winning 3-0 and claiming 1st place. Maukes girls came out determined for their 3rd place win against Mitiaro, scoring 3-1 taking home the 3rd place title.
For the U15 Boys, the warriors of Atiu fought hard for their win against Aitutaki, scoring all their goals in the second half of the game ending their battle with 3 goals to 1 and claiming 1st place. Playing Akatokamanava for 3rd place, the boys from Avatiu went onto the field to redeem themselves and earned themselves a win of 3 goals to nil.
Thank you to all teams that have participated in this tournament and for making it a success.
To our island teams who will be departing our shores today and throughout the week, safe travels and we hope to see you again at the next festival.
2021 Festival Results:
U15 Girls
1st Place: Puaikura FC
2nd Place: Mangaia FA
3rd Place: Mauke FA
U15 Boys
1st Place: Atiu FA
2nd Place: Aitutaki FA
3rd Place: Avatiu FC
U18 Women
1st Place: Tupapa Maraerenga FC
2nd Place: Aitutaki FA
3rd Place: Puaikura FC
U18 Men
1st Place: Aitutaki FA
2nd Place: Nikao Sokattak
3rd Place: Tupapa Maraerenga FC
