Seven teams from around the Greater Manchester area took part in the inaugural 11-a-side football competition for Under 11 players at Sale United’s Crossford Bridge Ground last Saturday.

This competition has been set up in memory of Eric Speake a former stalwart of the Club who sadly passed away just over twelve months ago after a short illness. It had been staged particularly for this age group who this season have to make a difficult transition from 7-a-side football to the full 11-a-side game, For instance, it will be the first time they have to come to terms with the off-side rule. All the teams did very well with this.

Unfortunately Sale United’s own teams could only make the semi-final stage of the competition and it was Chaddy End who swept the board with both of their sides reaching the Final. Broadway Celtic took the third placed position.

Club Chairman Stewart Hamer presented the awards saying that the competition had been an ideal way to celebrate Eric’s memory . He said he didn’t think that Eric would have been too disappointed that the home side didn’t win the trophy, the important thing was that over 100 lads who wanted to play football had had such a tremendous day.