Reinas Academy claims second title of ‘Girls Can Play Too’ series

REINAS ACADEMY swept the Youth Football League (YFL) ‘Girlz Can Play Too’ U13 5v5 Manchester final with a 3-0 victory over Genesis Academy at Manchester High School on the weekend, laying claim to their second win in the series of tournaments.

Reinas were in fine form, following up their Kingston title two weeks ago with another unbeaten performance in Manchester.

The number of teams competing in the Manchester regionals meant there was just one group in the preliminary round with the winner automatically qualifying for the final, while two runners-up advanced to the semifinals.

Reinas topped the group with three wins from three, defeating Proven Academy 3-1 in their opening game, before clipping Redemption and Genesis academies 1-0.

Redemption and Genesis booked spots in the semifinal, finishing second and third in the group stages with identical results, a win, a draw and a loss each, though Redemption had the better goal difference.

In the semifinals, Genesis blanked Redemption 3-0 to set up a rematch against Reinas.

But there was to be no revenge, Reinas lifting the title after a commanding 3-0 victory.

Reinas’ Tianna Grant walked away with the Golden Boot award with five goals, while their goalkeeper Anastasia Green took home the MVP award.

In the under-nine division, Redemption Academy ‘A’ walked away with the championship title, blanking Bess Sports Academy 2-0.

The win was especially important for the team, as they had lost their opening group stage game to Bess Sports Academy 2-1, but would bounce back with wins over Genesis Academy and Redemption Academy ‘B’ on their way to the final.

Jett Mendoza took the under-nine Golden Boot award with seven goals from four games, while Bess Sports’ Gregory Barnes was the division’s MVP.

Redemption also won the under-seven division, blanking Genesis 1-0 in the final. They went unbeaten in their run to the final and did not concede a goal throughout the competition.

Redemption’s Nisani Gayle swept the individual awards when she took the Golden Boot with eight goals and was awarded the division’s MVP.

The YFL ‘Girlz Can Play Too’ tournament continues on Saturday with the St Ann regionals.