W.A.D.A 2019 BLOG
Not even the rain could stop us. 
You know why? because it was the Women Against Domestic Abuse tournament 2019 (W.A.D.A). We had local teams and we had teams from Wales and Chester. They all woke up on a Tuesday morning seen the rain and said “Is that it? I’m getting up and dressed and I’m off down to the power League to play some football.”
Despite the rain the women where ready to play. The atmosphere was great, you could feel the eagerness in the air. You could also smell the food which was smelling gooooood.
We would like to thank http://liverpooldomesticabuseservice.org.uk for giving their support and advice. We had Centre 56 giving advice about support and training. Asda were on hand giving out fruit and water. Plus a special mention to the staff at Asda who had a whip round to make up some goody bags and donated them to the players. Thanks to N.H.S for the free health checks and Argos/Sainsburys who sponsored this years tournament, as well as allowing their staff time off to come down and help with the event, plus giving away goody bags.
EVENT OPENING 
We gathered upstairs. The good Dr Karen Johnson gave a heart-warming speech about her own experiences around domestic abuse. Plus giving some encouraging advice to anybody who is currently on the receiving end of domestic abuse.
We also had a speech by a staunch supporter of L.H.F.C “R Ann” that is Councillor Ann O’Byrne. Who gave a gripping fact-based speech on domestic abuse with facts like 2 women a day lose their lives to domestic abuse, which unfortunately is the reality of the situation. Which is why this is our 5th tournament raising awareness around domestic abuse.
THE FOOTBALL BEGINS 
Without your support none of this would be possible, so a massive thank you. Despite the weather you all turned up, got out there in the fresh air and had a game of football. You laughed, sang and I think I even saw some dance moves. Its all about being outdoors, improving your fitness, clearing your mind for a few hours. Getting to know new people, and making new friends.
There was some fantastic football being played today by all teams. It was a really fun day from start to finish. We had two mini leagues and divided the teams into each group based on experience to give everyone a fair chance of victory “I thought it was a fun day” I hear you say, it was lots of fun, but football is football.
The Ceremony
After all the football was done, and people got fed. We gathered upstairs for the results of the days fixtures. There was great support for all teams as they where called up to receive their medals. We had our very own L.H.F.C Ladies win Group B and Chester City Ladies winning Group A. Well done to the teams that walked away with the trophies. For me everyone and I mean everyone (weather they came to play or came to support) who turned up today are CHAMPIONS!
I can’t finish without saying a big thank you to all the staff, volunteers and the angel at L.H.F.C. As usual going above and beyond to make this event happen. 
Finally, please keep a look out for details of our next tournament coming in August. It would be great to see you all again.
Marseille