Proctor Park Challenge hits new heights in memorable 2022 tournament
A record-breaking 97 Teams participated in the 2022 Proctor Park Challenge at Bathurst over the weekend, highlighting the strength and growth in female football.
The Under 12 Girls category saw the Rockdale City Suns prevail defeating the Blacktown Spartans 1-0 in a tightly contested match. The age group also played a 9 v 9 small-sided format, a first for the tournament.
There was a record number of 34 Teams in the Under 14 Girls category requiring 8 Pools and a Round of 16 before the normal Quarter-Finals took charge. In a such a largely contested age group, it was the Blacktown Spartans who prevailed with a 2-0 win over St George FC in the big dance.
Blacktown Spartans continued its memorable Cup form and claimed another Title with a 3-1 win over Adamstown Rosebuds in the Under 15’s category.
While finally in the Under 17’s, Adamstown Rosebuds FC confined St George FC to their second Runners-Up with a win on penalties.
Football NSW’s Regional Development Manager Andrew Fearnley spoke highly of the influence both Young Matildas coach Leah Blayney and former Matildas, U.S. and All Ferns coach Tom Sermanni had during the tournament.
“Both Tom and Leah provided an excellent opportunity for such a vast number of teams to get in some valuable football before their seasons start and an opportunity to play teams that they normally wouldn’t play against – while the football performances were a credit to all teams that were involved.
“The 2022 Proctor Park Challenge was heralded a huge success and it was fantastic seeing a record 97 teams participate in what was one of the most memorable tournaments ever held in Bathurst.”
With the FIFA Women’s World Cup set to be held in Australia and New Zealand next year, the proof was at Proctor Park that the female game has certainly evolved in more ways than one with many young footballers dreaming of playing for the Green and Gold on show.
Football NSW would like to congratulate all the winners and participants as well as the referees who did an outstanding job in covering each match that played over the weekend.
Results