I WOULD just like to say what a fantastic week of awards Ripon City Panthers Junior Football Club has had. The girls teams really got the ball rolling with a great awards night held at Hell Wath.

First, the girls teams played matches against their mums, sisters and grannies, with five matches being played in great spirit from both sets of players. The awards presentation followed and the night finished with a finger buffet which everyone contributed to.

A special mention must be made about Neil Anderson who started the girls teams some years ago. The Panthers now boast over 50 girls playing football from nine to 16 years of age. With three of our age groups winning their leagues this season it must be our most successful year. Well done girls.

Then the boys got in on the act with their awards day at Ripon Bowling Club. With over 200 boys now playing for Panthers this event is well organised by the team managers.

Seeing the boys collect their trophies I’m sure made them and their parents proud, and as the day was a long one, credit should be given to the children for behaving so well. A raffle was held and £234 was raised, which will be shared between Panthers and the Mayor’s chosen charity. The Mayor and Mayoress presented the trophies and medals to the boys and this was really appreciated by everyone.

A last thank you must be made to all the parents of the boys and girls at Panthers and not forgetting our sponsors who have supported us. Now we can all have a summer break, but come September we start it all again; all I can say is: “I just can’t wait”.