Last updated : Tuesday, 04 March 2025
The Tilehurst Panthers 6-a-side Tournament has become a highlight of the youth football calendar for girls' teams across England. This FA-sanctioned event takes place in Reading, bringing together talented young players for competitive and engaging matches. The 2025 tournament is scheduled for June 14th and 15th with an entry fee of £50 per team, building on last year's impressive participation of 112 teams.
The tournament structure ensures each participating team enjoys approximately an hour of match time, creating a worthwhile experience for all players involved. Teams like Fareham Town Youth Blacks, Thatcham Tornadoes, Caversham Trents, and Hamble Falcons have previously competed in the event, demonstrating the tournament's ability to attract quality sides from various regions.
Hosted at the Beansheaf Community Centre on Charrington Road in Calcot, Reading, this girls-only football event provides an excellent opportunity for young female players to showcase their skills and enjoy the competitive spirit of the game. The tournament's growing popularity reflects the increasing interest in girls' football and the quality of organization that the Tilehurst Panthers bring to this annual event.
History
The Tilehurst Panthers 6-a-side Tournament has become a staple event in the local football calendar. This grassroots football competition has traditionally been held during the summer months, providing teams from various age groups an opportunity to showcase their skills.
Based on available information, recent tournaments have taken place at the Beansheaf Community Centre, located at Linear Park, Charrington Road in Calcot. The 2023 tournament was specifically held on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th June.
The tournament typically features multiple age categories playing throughout the weekend. Both morning and afternoon sessions accommodate different age groups, allowing for maximum participation across youth football divisions.
Format guidelines generally include:
- Under 10s: 6-a-side (maximum 8 players)
- Under 11s: 6-a-side format
- Under 14s: 6-a-side (maximum 8 players)
- Under 16s: 5-a-side (maximum 7 players)
For 2025, planning appears to be underway with tournament information being updated on the club's registration and information pages. The Tilehurst Panthers organization continues to support youth football development through these competitive events.
The tournament has maintained its focus on grassroots football, emphasizing player development and community engagement. This aligns with the club's broader mission to provide football opportunities for youth players in the Tilehurst area.
Age Groups and Divisions
The Tilehurst Panthers 6-a-side Tournament caters to multiple youth age groups, providing competitive opportunities for children of various ages. The tournament organizes participants into age categories ranging from Under 7 (U7) to Under 15 (U15).
Each age group is typically divided into multiple divisions or groups to ensure fair competition. For example, the Under 8 category is often split into Group 1, Group 2, Group A, and Group B, allowing for appropriate skill matching among teams.
Similarly, the Under 9 age group features multiple divisions to accommodate different skill levels and team numbers. This structured approach helps create balanced competition while giving all participants valuable playing experience.
The tournament follows a 6-a-side format across all age groups, making it accessible for youth teams while encouraging skill development in a smaller-sided environment. Maximum squad sizes are typically limited to 8 players per team.
For younger participants, the West Reading Schools Girls Tournament section includes specific divisions for school years 1 & 2, 3 & 4, and 5 & 6. Each player receives a medal for participation, with group winners earning a special trophy.
The tournament occasionally features special events, such as a Christmas tournament held on December 28th, which includes dedicated brackets for U7 and U8 age groups.
Committee/Staff/Contacts
The Tilehurst Panthers Football Club is managed by a dedicated team of coaches and administrators who ensure the smooth running of their popular 6-a-side tournament and other club activities. As with many youth sports organizations, the club relies on a combination of volunteer coaches and staff members.
Bob Burrowes serves as the Manager for the Under 15 team, bringing experience and leadership to the older age group. Richard Neale coaches the Under 10 Rockets, focusing on developing fundamental skills for the younger players.
Tasha Crowley takes on the Manager role for the Under 8 team, introducing the youngest players to the game's basics. Adam Marks manages the Under 11 Rockets and can be reached at 07506721183 for any inquiries related to his team.
The club's tournament organization team coordinates their events at Beansheaf Community Centre, located on Charrington Road in Calcot, Reading (RG31 7AW). This venue serves as the home for their GIRLS ONLY football tournaments.
For those interested in getting involved with the Tilehurst Panthers or enrolling children in their programs, reaching out to the appropriate age group manager is recommended. The club maintains an active presence on social media platforms like Facebook, where they regularly post match reports and team updates.
Teams
The Tilehurst Panthers 6-a-side Tournament attracts numerous girls' football teams from various age groups. Based on the search results, teams like Marlborough Dynamites, Caversham Swans, and Tilehurst Panthers Stars have participated in the U12 category.
Tournament participation has been impressive, with 112 teams entering in recent years. This significant turnout demonstrates the popularity and competitive nature of this girls-only football event.
Teams pay a £50 entry fee to participate in the tournament. This fee ensures teams receive approximately an hour of match time at minimum, allowing for fair competition across the event.
Match results from previous tournaments show varied outcomes. For example, records indicate scores such as:
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| U12 - Caversham Swans | 4-0 |
| U12 - Tilehurst Panthers Stars | 5-0 |
| U12 - Marlborough Dynamites | 0-2 |
The tournament provides an excellent opportunity for girls' football teams to compete in a structured environment. With matches taking place over two days in June, teams from different regions come together to showcase their skills.
Local teams appear to have strong representation, though the tournament likely attracts participants from beyond Reading as well. The competitive format helps develop young players while promoting girls' football in the community.
Players
The Tilehurst Panthers 6-a-side Tournament features talented young players across various age groups. Each team can bring a limited roster, typically with a maximum of 7-8 players for U10 and U14 divisions.
Players participate in fast-paced matches that require quick decision-making and technical skill. The tournament format allows each participant to get significant playing time, which is valuable for development.
This grassroots football event specifically excludes players from Regional Talent Clubs (RTC) and Junior Premier League (JPL), ensuring a balanced competitive environment for community-level participants.
Teams like Fareham Town Youth Blacks, Thatcham Tornadoes, Caversham Trents, and Hamble Falcons bring their most dedicated players to compete. The Tilehurst Panthers Flames also participate in the U15 category.
Player statistics are tracked throughout the tournament, including individual season totals that help recognize standout performances. This data helps coaches identify strengths and areas for improvement.
The girls-only format provides an excellent opportunity for female players to showcase their talents in a supportive environment. Many participants gain valuable tournament experience that contributes to their overall football development.
