Whitehead Eagles host tournament to help Leah

Up until a number of months ago Leah was an outgoing girl who loved her football but Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (known as PANDAS) has left her housebound and unable to attend school.

A total of eight teams from across County Antrim took part in the competition. Group A was topped by eventual winners Carnmoney FDC with success against 18th Newtownabbey, Wellington Rec and Whitehead Eagles A. Group B was taken by Antrim Rovers who defeated Ballyclare, Whitehead Eagles B and Carnmoney Ladies.

In the semi-final, Carnmoney FDC edged out Wellington Rec 2-1 while a very tight match with 18th Newtownabbey eventually saw Antrim go through to the final on penalties after a 1-1 draw. There was nothing between the two finalists in the first-half, however, in the second-half Carnmoney FDC played some scintillating football and won 4-0.

The organisers were hugely impressed by the standard of football on display by all the teams involved and the great spirit that the games were played in.

The day’s events were brought to a close by the touching moment when Leah’s brother Dara Goss presented the cup and medals to the winners and finalists.

The club and Leah’s family were overwhelmed by the support of both the local and football community who came together to support the event and raised £1,400.00 towards Leah’s treatment.

Whitehead Eagles would like to thank all the teams that participated, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council who donated the pitch for free, Sport N Sound Ballyclare who donated the trophy and medals, Jackie Wright’s Spar and Jason Tweedy’s Bakery, who donated food, Martin Clarke for the marquee, JD sports and the IFA who donated signed Northern Ireland shirts (one forLeah and two to be raffled off to raise further money ) and finally the South Belfast Youth League and everyone else who took the time to attend the event and donate their money.