Frankie's Red Devils won gold at the Buffalo tournament

On December 28th, 2006 BICS Frankie's Red Devils traveled to Buffalo, New York to compete in the Holiday Classic Tournament at Sahlen Sports Park. This was a tournament that was to be played indoors, on a full sized field measuring 70 x 110yds. Seeing the faces of our players when they walked in made us realise that we had made the correct decision.

Teams involved in the tournament included three American Teams, Ajax of the OYSL and the Toronto Lynx. Frankie's had not played a full field game since Tuesday September 19, so we knew this was going to be interesting.

After great results in the round robin portion we ended up in the final against Ajax who are currently ranked 7th in Ontario. It was a tremendous game. Everything you could hope for. The action was end to end and either team could have won in regulation time. At the final whistle the score was 0-0. Now it was time for sudden death penalty kicks.

We won the coin toss and elected to shoot first. First year player Natalie Jankowski stepped up and put the ball in the corner of the net. Ajax then scored with a great penalty. Olivia Elliott scored a great second goal with Ajax replying. The score was tied 2-2. I called up on our team captain Meaghen Rollins to take the third. The ball went in the top right corner of the net. No goalkeeper could have stopped it. It was now Ajax's turn to try and equalise. Our goalkeeper Samantha Deeming noticed the player glance to her left as she placed the ball. Sam choose correct and saved it. Frankie's were champions.

Not only did every player perform at an exceptional level but they went into the final believing that they would win. The focus and determination that was shown by every team member was nothing short of fantastic. Special thanks go out to Chantel Leone of BICS U15 girls team. Chantel played her heart out and was an important part of the win.

Our twelfth player, the parents, were instrumental in lifting the girls. Every time there was volume from them the team determination increased.

This was a team win in every sense of the word.