Northop Hall Girls FC Presentation Night - and a little chuckle

The presentation night was held Saturday the 22nd of June at the Saltney Tavern Club. 

The hall was dressed up with helium inflated football balloons and neatly covered tables. 

We all brought a plate of food to share. It was a lot of fun to mix with the other club members and say goodbye.

Sophia and Julia had played in the under 10 team for the season and were really committed. They turned up for training all season even when the temperatures were literally freezing. They were privileged to have a coach who now has two national caps under her belt.

Whilst the training and the skill of the others in the team was good, unfortunately the league was very limited. They only had a small number of games the whole season! As the girls get older talent is carefully nurtured, unfortunately our girls were just a little two young to benefit from this. They are really looking forward to regular games back in N.Z.

Both Sophia and Julia were presented with participation trophies, with a nice comment from the manager about Jules "Julia has played in the under 10's and is only 8! She is one to watch!" 

Julia is a bit of a pocket rocket and was asked to join several boys matches. At school I was once approached by a dad, he asked if Julia would play in his sons team for a tournament. I guess you can't get a better recommendation then from your son. (They play after school in an after school club together). She played well and was approached again for another tournament this weekend, we had to decline as she had already been approached by her school to play in the same tournament.

Sophia and Julia had been called up together for their trophies, after they had shaken hands etc the presenter then went on to say Molly ...and a surname (not sure). Before I could do anything about it Holly was three quarters of the way up the stairs and then onto the stage...she looked up at the presenters expectantly and then over at the trophies when they hesitated...the whole audience went quiet. I was at the back with the camera and Henry was away. I quickly debated my options... do I walk up in front of everyone and start to negotiate with her?? Mmm what do I do??

Sophia receiving her trophy from her coach. Jules approaching.

Julia receives her trophy. Could not get over the shoes the women wore that night!
The girls coach's example were nothing on some of the others!!

Thankfully the presenters decided to present her with a trophy also!! There was thunderous applause from the crowd, thankfully the room was getting a little dark to hide my rather red face. Holly looked ever so pleased with herself and then proceeded to move to the front of the stage and wait for her photo just as everyone before her had done. I relaxed and caught it all on camera. Oh Holly!

p.s I did check with the presenters later to see if they would be a trophy short. Fortunately they were not short...so she got to keep it. Holly had played football on a Saturday morning but with a different organisation...so to this day she thinks it was for her because of her "good football".

New Brighton Promenade - Beach, Wirral

A local artist built this pirate ship from drift wood for everyone to enjoy. Can you spot Soph?

New Brighton is a seaside resort on the Wirral, just south of Liverpool. It has sandy beaches that line the Irish Sea. A day out at the beach there was just a little different than going to the beach at Rabbit Island.

Sand castle fun with friends.

Up to the 19th Century, the area had a reputation for smuggling and wrecking. Secret underground cellars and tunnels are still rumoured to exist.



In 1830 a Liverpool merchant, James Atherton, purchased much of the land at Rock Point, which enjoyed views out to sea and across the Mersey with good beaches. His aim was to develop it as a desirable residential and watering place for the gentry in a similar way to Brighton - hence "New Brighton".

A promenade was built in the 1890s which we walked, scootered and biked along. We passed many others out enjoying the day also. There were seaside fair type rides to enjoy, lots of restaurants and cafes. The queue for ice creams was REALLY long but worth the wait!

Eating Icecreams with the Clancies

The two woman to the left of Henry are his work colleagues.
Thanks Claire for a great day out!

We love summer in the U.K!