Pontefract Pirates put in a magnificent display at the West Riding Ability Counts Festival at the weekend, picking up the winners trophies in all three ability bands in which they entered. 

The Ability Counts Festival is open to teams of players with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, with teams entered from throughout Yorkshire and the North East of England. Watched by large crowds, the festival took place at Wigton Moor Football Club in Alwoodley, Leeds, with the club proving excellent hosts throughout the event. The crowds were treated to a fine festival of football, with several international players on duty, including the Pirates’ own Gary Hope and his fellow Great Britain Pirate Kyle Hill.

Kyle Hill and his team-mates in the “Championship” grade team led the way to the Clean Sweep, with Kyle joined by Frenchy, Darren, Aiden, Lee and Dale. The team did not lose a single match throughout the whole event, and won their league with something to spare. “Frenchy” proved invaluable to his team, with a string of excellent performances being rightly rewarded with the Player of the Tournament award.

The Division 2 team comprised of John Lowe, Steven, Gary Kirk, Michael Hill and Tamara. The team won their division’s trophy with John Lowe taking his teams player of the tournament.

For the Division 3 team the league was only settled in the final game, with the team pulling out all the stops to claim the trophy. Team-mates John Frazer, Jez, Al Haywood, Gary Hope, Jake Fairburn and David were ecstatic as the final whistle confirmed them as Champions.

In the exhibition matches, Ponte Pirate’s brand new junior team took part in a fair play division. In their first ever tournament the team were absolutely fantastic with everyone picking up a participation medal to treasure.

In reflection of a triumphant event for his club, Pirates Head Coach Trevor Waddington said:  “We would like to thank James Doyle form the west riding FA organised a fantastic event and everyone at Wigton Moor FC for making the day a roaring success.”

Trevor added: “Since we formed the Pontefract Pirates over four years ago, we have gone from strength to strength. Now, with the addition of the Junior Pirates, we are almost complete.”

“Also, we must give huge thanks to founder Gary Smith for his continued support down at Pontefract Collieries FC, and to his coaches Jamie Waddington, Jon-Paul Cartledge, Paul Shaw, and Brad Shaw. Frank Burnley must also share the credit, having yet again stepped in and helped the teams on a successful weekend. Frank is becoming a lucky mascot – whenever he helps out, the Pirates seem to win!”