Chairman Guy Nottingham told the website: “We have the aim of being all-inclusive and non-discriminatory written into our club aims and vision, and while we have several girls who play within the existing juniors teams, launching separate teams for girls represents a major move forward for the club. We should be offer fabulous opportunities to girls in the area who are interested in playing football.”

In the first instant, the club are looking to recruit girls of the current ages 7-8. The girls will be coached under the guidance of professional coaching staff at the club, with the focus of providing quality coaching support to help players make the most of their potential while having fun playing the game.

Training sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings, with games being played on Saturday mornings from the start of the 2012-13 season.

Parents or guardians of any girls who may be interested in joining the Ponte Colls Junior Girls should contact Guy Nottingham on 07890 525786 or via email at guy@pontecolls.co.uk

Liam Ormsby collects his Player of the Season trophy from proud father Brendon and Chairman Guy Nottingham

Pontefract Collieries held their end-of-season awards ceremony on Saturday evening, and it proved to be a great night for Liam Ormsby, who walked away with a unique treble of the three main awards.

The manager’s son was voted Player of the Season by the club, Player’s Player of the Season by his team-mates, while also picking up the Young Player of the Season trophy to cap a clean sweep.

With such a young team, the Young Player award was available to all but five of the first team squad, the cut-off for qualification being 23 years at the end of the season. Ormsby took the award as the highest-ranked player under the age of 23, with centre-half Tom Robinson picking up the runner-up award. It was also a good night for the young defender, who was also named as runner-up for the main Player of the Year award – as voted by regular supporters, officials and sponsors – and was third in the Player’s Player voting.

Connor Rollinson was third in the Young Player of the Season rankings, capping another good season for the promising youngster who has played in a variety of positions for the team during the course of the season.

In the open-age awards, club veteran Dean Twibey was runner-up in the Player’s voting, having taken the award in 2011. The “old man” picked up an injury which ruined the last two months of his season and effectively denied him the chance to make it a hat-trick of Player of the Season trophies, having picked up the main award during the last two seasons.

Another of the more experienced players – Steve Lyon, himself no geriatric at the age of 25 – was third in the Player of the Year rankings.

At the top end of the pitch, Paul Haigh’s flying header against Emley was named as the club’s Goal of the Season, while Greig McGrory collected the Golden Boot trophy as the club’s top goal-scorer of the season.

The Athorns share the Supporter of the Season accolades!

From the stands or, to be more precise, behind the opposition goal, Lennon Athorn and his dad, Gareth were named as joint Supporters of the Season, the pair having attended all but one of the team’s games, home and away. Lennon also stars for the U9s at the club, and enjoyed his weekend almost as much as the previous one, when he and his team-mates sealed the Selby & District Junior Football League crown.

The Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Club during the course of the season was awarded to Assistant Manager Duncan Bray, who has excelled in his first year in the role and provided magnificent support to Brendon Ormsby during his own first full season, as well as many other contributions to the club.

The presentation ceremony also allowed the club to present several outstanding Man of the Match trophies, with Ryan Poskitt, Stephen Edwards, James Hicks, Connor Rollinson and Liam Ormsby also getting their hands on silverware.

As well as celebrating the achievements of individuals within the squad, the evening was also a cracking social event for the squad, who preceded the presentation with a Grand Prix at Raceways Karting track. The Grand Prix was won by club captain and Assistant Manager Nick Handley, who worked his way from 9th on the grid to take the chequered flag in a fine display of driving. Lower down the grid, the Chairman claimed 9th place by overtaking the Manager on the final corner of the final lap, as he was to point out several times during the course of the evening, to his own amusement, if nobody elses!

After the presentation ceremony, the players entertained their supporters once more, showing that their talents are not confined to the football field. With the Karaoke in full swing, Mr & Mrs Handley performed a heart-rending duet, while Connor Rollinson put his unique Barnsley twist on “I’m Too Sexy” and Steve Lyon performed a semi-autobiographical “Because I Got High”. However, perhaps the highlight of the evening was a performance of One Direction’s “That’s What Makes You Beautiful” by Gary Lumley and Will Ramsay, who will surely be courted by Simon Cowell should the impresario be alerted to the You Tube video.

Overall, the night was a great success, with everybody having a good time. Congratulations to all the squad and, in particular, the award winners on their achievements during the season.

A full photo gallery of all awards from Saturday night can be viewed via clicking here for a link to our Facebook album. Photos courtesy – as ever – of Arthur Haigh of White Rose Photography.

Ponte’s achievement means that they have gone through the season winning every game in all competitions, by beating Snaith 10-3 in the final match of the season to lift the cup.

Ponte were out of the blocks from the first minute and outplayed their opponents in the first half with one and two touch passing. Their passing game saw The Colls exert complete control, and the team led 7-0 at half time.

Snaith rallied after the interval. An early penalty miss and a better second half display from the team made the second half a bit more competitive.

Goals were scored by Josh Powell, Brogan Foster (2), Fraser Walker (3), Ty Bryer (3) and Zak Wilkinson. The only down-note for the team is the departure of Joe Winstanley after the game, as the talented youngster has chosen a future playing rugby. Everyone in the team and at the club wish him every success – he will be missed by all at Ponte Colls.

The U12s have ended the season with an unprecedented treble, with the undoubted highlight being the County Cup victory. The team, which is managed  by Steve McHugh, have been a real credit to their parents, themselves and the club.

The squad consists of Bradley Watson, Mitch McHugh, Sam Wright, Josh Powell, Brogan Foster, Fraser Walker, Ty Bryer, Zak Wilkinson, Ben Watts, Morgan Parsons, Isaac Leach, Benji Morton, Coby Glew and Joe Winstanley.

Elliott Rhodes - Man of the Match as the U9s claimed the title

Pontefract Collieries U9s won the Selby & District Junior Football League, with Saturday’s 8:1 victory over Howden confirming them as Champions.

The team, which is managed by the dynamic duo of Jamie Rhodes and Kevin Gill, put on a brilliant attacking display, scoring eight goals in claiming the title.

The back line of Athorn, Mosby and Nicklin kept the Howden attack at arms length and never looked in any danger. With Mitchell taking up a holding midfield role and braking play up this gave the attacking front three of Giles, Harrison and Rhodes the licence to thrill.

Howden couldn’t get to grips with the excellent passing and movement of all the team, especially the front three.

Goals from Giles (3), Harrison (2), Rhodes (2) and an own goal made sure the championship came to Ponte.

The excellent Elliott Rhodes took the Man of the Match award.

Game 2 saw another fine victory and some more fine football from The Colls.

Lennon Athorn in goal pulled off 2 fantastic full length saves and was well protected by Buttle and Harrison.

The very quick midfield of Mateer, Moatt and Mutonono kept the ball superbly from Howden. Tennant playing as the lone striker did well.

Goals from Moatt (4), Mateer, Mutonono, Buttle and Tennant were enough for victory, Moatt taking the Man of the Match award.

Colls now enter the gala season in good form: starting at Killinghall Nomads on the 19th.

Pontefract Pirates offer a guard of honour to Great Britain as they take the field

Pontefract Pirates played two games against the Great Britain Mencap squad at The White Rose Stadium, as the national team engaged in their training weekend in preparation for this summer’s European Championships.

Incredibly, the Pirates won the first game, beating the representative team by two goals to one, despite being shorn of two of their best players, with Nathan French and Aiden Flavell having been selected for the national squad.

With French and Flavell facing their own team-mates, and Pirates Head Coach Trevor Waddington also appearing in the opposition ranks as he prepares for his role in joint charge of the GB squad in Geneva, the management of the Pontefract team was left in the hands of coach Jimmy Graham. The youngster, who has been involved with Ponte’s team for people with learning difficulties for several years, did a great job of organising his troops. A solid back four of DJ, Lee Percival and Gary’s Hope and Kirk at full-back, offered fine protection to Kyle Hill between the sticks. Hill, who achieved national caps himself during the 2o11 season, had an excellent game, making several good saves and making excellent decisions to come out and beat his opponents to through-balls.

The midfield area was where Ponte dominated. Rob Scholes and Ryan Smith put in fine shifts in the engine room, ensuring that their team won the key central battle. With Oliver Apley tormenting the national team on the left flank and Danny Randall constantly threatening with a thrusting performance down the right, Ponte dominated possession and territory in the first half.

Up front, Stephen Wilson had a fine game, while Dale Banks provided a constant threat. When Danny Randall put the Pirates into the lead in the first period with a fine finish from the right, Ponte’s dominance was rewarded. However, their joy was short-lived, as Great Britain levelled on the stroke of the interval.

With GB finding their feet, the game was more even after the interval, but Pontefract were the more threatening team with the ball, with Randall, Scholes and Smith particularly impressing. When Scholes put his team in front with a neat finish to cap a good move, Pontefract managed to hang on to the final whistle, and celebrated a great achievement in style.

The second game saw the national team – selected from the cream of the nations players with learning difficulties – assert their authority, as their players started to gel into a team. Jimmy Graham shuffled his pack and was rewarded by fine shifts from the likes of Jeremy Eccles, John Lowe, David and Timmy, Jordan Holmes, Alan Hayward and Jake Sherburn. Despite the re-energising of the Ponte squad, Great Britain won the second game, scoring two late goals to achieve a 3-1 win.

Both Nathan French and Aiden Flavell came to the fore for the British team, with French showing great leadership at the back, and Flavell influencing the game in midfield.

Pontefract’s achievement was put into perspective on Sunday, when the Great Britain team travelled to Bradford City, beating a strong Bradford team comfortably in both games at Valley Parade.

Everybody at Pontefract offers their deep congratulations to Jimmy Graham and his team for a magnificent achievement. It is not every day that a Great Britain team loses to a domestic outfit – particularly when the national team is strengthened by the presence of two of the local team’s stars. Well done, the magnificent Pirates!

Pontefract Pirates DFC will play host to the Great Britain Mencap Team this Saturday, as the national side hold their training weekend in advance of the summer’s European Championships in Geneva.

The game will be particularly spicy for Pirates Nathan French and Aiden Flavell, who will be representing Great Britain against their own club side, having been selected for the national squad for the trip to Switzerland. Playing for the Pirates will be former internationals Gary Hope and Kyle Hill, who have proudly represented Pontefract in the Euros over the last couple of seasons.

The national squad was whittled down from 80 of the most talented footballers with learning difficulties from across the land in a trials weekend at Warwick University, to create a squad of 20. The training weekend features games against Pontefract Pirates and Bradford City DFC, who both compete in the West Riding County FA Ability Counts League.

On Saturday afternoon, the squad are being entertained by Huddersfield Town, in their final league game of the season against Yeovil. Then they will travel to The White Rose Stadium to take on the Pirates, before facing Bradford City on Sunday morning.

Ponte welcomed second placed Howden to the White Rose stadium in what looked on paper to be a closely fought game.

With Ponte going uphill and facing a strong wind in the first half it looked like a daunting task. Both teams started well setting the bench mark high for the rest of the game, with Ponte dominating the game and pushing forward looking for an early goal they left there selves open at the back as Howdens midfielder skipped by two defenders and coolly finished past Pontes advancing keeper.

With the heavens opening and hailstones hammering down in the faces of Ponte it looked like everything was against them but Ponte played to the strengths and drove forward with wave after wave of attacks, ensuring that their visitors remained on the back foot.

After a driving run and been fetched down on the edge of the 18 yard box Nathan Hutchinson then stepped up to curl the free kick in to the top far corner, this pumped Ponte and their fans up and gave them the belief they needed. Ponte didn’t relax and got stuck straight back controlling the game and making Howden chase the ball. With Matty Moore proving more than a handful on the right wing with his pace and skill putting in dangerous and teasing crosses howden didn’t have any idea what to do.

A neat and impressive passing drill cut through Howden and found its way to Hutchinson’s feet on the edge of the box, His short cross found Ewan Studd at the back post to slot home from six yards out. Going in to half time 2-1 up it was a more than deserved lead.

In the second half Howden came out fighting and controlled the game from the kick off with them passing well and attacking but couldn’t get by Ponte’s strong defence, with Lewis Griffiths at the heart of them barking out the orders and keeping the back four organised. Ponte stepped the pace up and chased down every ball, not giving Howden any time on the ball. As a result, the tables turned with Dylan and Conner Welsh pulling the stings in central midfield pushing the ball around the field and into the flanks.

A through ball from right back George Mitchell sent Ewan Studd racing through the middle for him to unleash a shot from the edge of the box and hitting the post. Ponte looked dangerous and hungry for more goals. Intricate passing from all Pontes players made Howden continually chase the ball but they didn’t have any joy, Ponte was showing some training ground drills that made Howden run around like headless chickens with sam angel floating the ball in to the left corner for Harry Ford to drop the ball back to stand in left back Charlie Hinchcliffe to float a ball in to the box.

Ponte’s intense pressure could only lead to one thing and that came from MOTM Matty Moore making a bursting run into the box and drilling the ball in to the bottom corner to make it 3-1.

WELL DONE BOYS – AN IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE.

Not wanting to go without a match, and deadline date for end of season approaching, Ponte arranged another fixture, with Brayton agreeing to move the fixture forward a week. With Brayton sitting second bottom of the league but recent results showing a vast improvement on the start of he season, it looked as if it could be an evenly fought game.

Ponte started the game going uphill and after a short series of passing Ponte found there selves quickly 1-0 up after Matty Moore’s cross from the right hand side of the pitch went straight across the six yard box eluding everyone except for left winger Harry Ford coming in at the back post to fire it in.

With Nathan Hutchinson being as strong as ever in the centre midfield Ponte controlled the game. Ponte continued to push forward and battered the Brayton goal the highlight was a magnificent volley from outside the box from Connor Welsh looking certain to go in to the top corner but some how the keeper got a hand to it and kept it out.

Two minutes later a ball played down the left flank sent ewan studd in to the area and from a tight angle he smashed the ball into the net beating the keeper at the near post just before been taken out by an oncoming Brayton defender.

With 20 minutes gone and two nil up and in control it looked like it was going to be an easy day but then 5 minutes before half time Pontes intricate passing was then their demise as Brayton’s goal came from Ponte’s shocking defending – starting from a routine short ball from the goal keeper out to the right back who then dilly dallied on the ball for Braytons winger to take the ball of him then skip by two other defenders and smash the ball in to the net.

Some of Ponte’s players seemed to crumble and turned the clock back years as all they did was hit the ball aimlessly up the pitch for Brayton to come straight back to them, it was painful to see as in recent months ponte have been transformed in to a title chasing team. Half time was welcomed by Ponte’s manager as Brayton had a strong foothold in the game.

After a good rollocking at half time Ponte came out fighting and settled well, with a strong and commanding Sam Angell at the centre of defence he took the team by the scruff of the neck and started a free flowing passing move that started from the left hand side of the pitch over to the right and back again finding there selves on the edge of Brayton’s box a cross came in for skipper Nathan Hutchinson to slot the ball in from 12yards out.

Ponte’s 2 goal cushion crushed Braytons hopes but they didn’t give up and still passed the ball around well, trying to get their main player in to the game, as the visitors pressed Sam Angel and motm Lewis Griffithis stood firm tidying everything up at the back winning every header and cutting out through balls.

With Brayton pressing forward Ponte’s defence broke down an attack n sprung a counter attack in which Brayton put the ball out for a throw, a short throw from Bailey Gill to lewis who then crossed the ball over for Matty Moore to run on to and drive a header in to the bottom corner.

Pontefract: Tom Lynch, Bailey Gill, Sam Angel, Lewis Griffithis, Charlie Hinchliffe, Harry Ford, Dylan Hutchinson, Connor Welsh, Nathan Hutchinson, Matty Moore, Ewan Studd, Sam WP, George Mitchell, Nathan Garfoot.

In the first match Ponte came out of the blocks flying and it wasn’t long before they took the lead thanks to a strike from Ethan Pritchard.

Further Ponte pressure caused the visitors to panic and conceded an own goal.  Barlby pulled a goal back before Max Hazelgrave extended Ponte’s lead again to two goals.  Ponte then took their foot off the gas and Barlby maximised on their opportunities to score three quick goals to take the lead.  Callum Davies and Josh Lindley picked up the pace and provided Hazelhurst with the opportunity to score an equaliser.  Both sides had chances to pinch the win in the final minutes, and Ponte can thank goal keeper Alex Washington for some fine saves meaning the match ended in a 4-4 draw.

The whole squad rotated for the second match.  Matthew Doyle and Billy Shaw each had a fine stint in goal while Zak Taylor and Henry Warrinder bossed the show from midfield.  The young Colliers took the lead thanks to a short range strike from Eli Saul but Barlby equalised almost straight away.  In the second half Sam Limbert, Ellis Skelcher and Jack Smith passed the ball around like professionals allowing MOM Samet Ayik to capitalise with two fine goals and the game ended in a 3-1 win.  After the match all the Ponte squad were rewarded with a new summer training kit thanks to the fund raising efforts of their families.

Four wins in four matches saw Pontefract Collieries under 6′s enjoy their trip to Ackworth Allstars under 6′s.

The first game saw colls win 4-0 as Nikyle Rose (two), Alfie Charlotte and Thomas Joynt were all on target.
Goals from Harry Charlotte and Matthew Dean clinched a 2-0 success in the second game and
the third finished 3-0 as Billy Temple, Matthew Dean and Aiden Moore netted.

The successful day was rounded off with another 3-0 victory when Harry Charlotte, Alfie charlotte and Thomas Joynt all scored.

All13 players were outstanding with Lewis Howard, Daniel Webb, Joel Learmouth, Lucas Coulson, Harry Holland and Harvey Scott also playing big parts.

MOM awards went to Harry Charlotte, Alfie Charlotte, Billy Temple and Joel Learmouth.