| IAG makes it's mark at the nationals! |
 It's a Goal! enters two teams in the Mad about Football tournament, the first ever national competition for mental health users...The Mad about Football tournament took place at the Central Powerleague in Manchester and, sponsored by the FA and Shift (the Government led initiative in place to tackle stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health issues in England), was the first national football tournament solely for mental health users. There were entries from all over the country and It's a Goal! was honoured to have two teams in the competition from both Macclesfield and the franchise in Plymouth. IAG (Macc) began their tournament with a 9-1 demolition of ACE Team (Luton), Darren Sullivan leading the way with four goals, backed up by efforts from Pete Tattersall (2) and one each from Jerry Lakin, Rick Robinson Moss and Steve Melton. Then followed a feisty encounter with Psypher Tigers from Hull. Goals from Robinson Moss, Tattersall, Melton and an own goal saw the Macc side through 4-3. The final group game saw Robinson Moss score twice and a goal apiece from Melton and Tattersall as Oxford Coasters were also seen off 4-3 with a great fight back after trailing 1-3 at one stage. For the first time then, the team managed to fight it's way through to the knockout stages of a competition and in the Round of 16 were drawn against Everton FC. A tense opening period saw IAG come agonizingly close missing two glorious chances, hitting the bar twice and the post once. As so often happens, they were made to pay as a deflected own goal saw the Merseysiders on their way to an eventual five goal triumph that was much closer than the score suggested. IAG (Plymouth) however had a lengthier tournament, and after finishing third in a group that included teams from Ilford (Essex), Leeds and Salford they entered the Plate competition and forced their way to the final playing some excellent football along the way. Here they were up against erstwhile opponents from the group stages, Salford Grassroots whom they had previously manged to beat. Salford gained some measure of revenge however and despite putting up a gallant fight, the Plymouth lads eventually succumbed 1-3. Praise to the team who were virtually untried in competition before the tournament, and who will clearly be a force to be reckoned with in future competitions. The trophies were awarded by ex Arsenal and England star Tony Adams, and all agreed that the day had been a fantastic advert for mental health and football and had been thoroughly enjoyed by all. Pictures to follow. |
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