Kent and Medway Schools Korfball Tournament

The Kent Korfball Association (KKA) hosted the 14th Kent and Medway Schools Korfball tournament at Rainham School for Girls on Saturday 14 June 2014. Nine schools entered a total of fifteen teams – approximately 150 children were involved.

Nine teams were competing in the Under 9 section and six in the Under 11s. All teams played on pitches 30m x 15m. Matches were seventeen minutes in length with no half-time.

Kent Korfball Development Officer Jackie Hubbard said “The netball court markings were adapted for Korfball using sticky tape, which was easily removed at the end of the day”

“Although the weather forecast was predicted sunny, the early part of the day proved to be dull and cold with the occasional shower. This didn’t dampen the spirits of the competitors as they still continued to play on the all-weather pitches”

“To enable the children to experience both attacking and defending roles, ends were changed every one goal. If no goals were scored after eight minutes, the referee instructed the teams to change ends.” said Hubbard.

“Competition was keen throughout the whole day, all the youngsters being cheered on enthusiastically by their parents, teachers and managers. It was great to see so many smiling children and spectators all obviously enjoying the day with many of them experiencing competitive Korfball for the first time.”

The results of the Under 9 competition were:- Halling Hawks (on penalties), Cedar Stars, Offam Hotshots, Offam Shooters, Barming, Lunsford Vipers, Ditton Dynamos, Offam Boys (illegal) and Horsted Hawks (illegal).

The Under 11 results were: – Parkwood Panthers (on penalties), Offam Hotshots, joint third Horsted Hurricanes and Offam Shooters, Bligh and Balming .

The winners received a trophy and medals, with the runners-up also receiving medals. Every child received a certificate of participation.

An Under 13/Under 16 inter-club competition was also organised on the adjacent adapted netball courts, on a 40m x 20m pitch. Hubbard said “This competition came about as many of the youngsters had enjoyed playing for their primary schools, and as a result joined Korfball clubs. They requested that they have their own event. Many of these older players are now county and England players and also used the opportunity to practise their refereeing skills and get advice from the more experienced adult referees present.”

Four teams took part in the inter-club competition with the results being Tornadoes, Diablos, KV and Bearsted.

“The KKA were pleased to welcome five players from Harrow, who made the long journey to Kent, and these were integrated into the other teams.”

Source: Jackie Hubbard, Kent Korfball Association