Saturday 7^th April saw the inaugural finals of the Calderdale Cup competition. The Competition was the idea of the Calderdale Football Focus Group, a group of key individuals from clubs, leagues and other organisations within the Calderdale area. The group was facilitated by the West Riding County FA and the first season’s competition was limited to 8 Under 13 teams from the Calderdale area. Games were played on Saturday mornings and fixtures were once a month so as not to conflict with existing league fixtures played on Sundays.

8 teams were split into 2 groups and played a round robin format which culminated in the best 2 performing teams playing in the Mick Armitage Champions League Final where Elland Juniors beat Brighouse Juniors. The next best 2 performing teams played in the Mick Armitage Europa League Final where Crossley Juniors beat Warley Rangers. Both games were held at Ryburn United FC and players, coaches and supporters had positive reaction to the competition. Karina Crabtree from Halifax said "My son Oliver played for Elland juniors and loved the competition. It was a great day out for the finals and he enjoyed playing against other local boys on local pitches. All the teams that took part played the game in the right way so well done to all the players and managers involved."

Thanks must go to the managers of the clubs involved as well as Ryburn United for offering to host the finals day. A special mention must also go to Mick Gavan who ran the competition and also Paul Throp of the Halifax & District FA who sanctioned the competition. Following a successful first year, the Calderdale Football Focus Group will look at ways of developing the competition to ensure young players from the area are given the best possible opportunities to take part in football.