The Thatcham Tornadoes Six-A-Side Tournament took place over the weekend of 18th/19th May 2013 at Kennet School in near perfect weather conditions. The event has been fine-tuned over the last 18 years and has gained an incredible reputation as one of the best junior football tournaments in the region.

Over the weekend, 180 teams from all over the South East participated. Whilst many teams participating were local, others travelled from as far afield as Portsmouth, Swindon and Ruislip. There were non-competitive leagues for the U7 and U8 age groups culminating in participation and Fair Play Awards whilst the U9 age group and older players took part in competitive leagues.

This year saw the introduction of an U16's section and teams were vying for the honour of lifting the inaugral Stephen Waters Memorial Trophy. Stephen was a former supporter, manager and coach at Thatcham Tornadoes who sadly lost his long fight with Fanconi Anaemia in January this year aged just 30. The new trophy was presented to the winners, AFC Aldermaston, by Stephen's parents Colin and Debbie Waters.

Throughout the weekend, Thatcham Tornadoes ran a charity speed shot competition to raise money for the Faconi Hope Charity in Stephen's memory. A massive £627 was raised thanks to the generosity of all the teams, parents and supporters attending the tournament. The fastest speed recorded over the weekend was 71mph set by two U16's from AFC Aldermaston and Theale Tigers.

Thatcham Tornadoes themselves had success in a number of different age groups. Tornadoes Amber won the main U12 Cup, whilst the U11's Black and U10's Amber ended the day as runners up by the narrowest of margins in their Main Cup finals; the latter in a dramatic penalty shoot-out after the teams remained deadlocked 0-0 after extra-time. A penalty shoot-out also decided the U12's Consolation Cup Final - Reading Rangers found the target to beat Tornadoes U12 Black and claim the trophy.

On Sunday, the Forest Green Rover and England C Team Captain, Jamie Turley, returned to his former club to inspire the players and present the participation & fair play awards to the U7's.

This tournament would not be possible to stage without the support of a small army of volunteers. They transform the Kennet School Playing Fields into a Tournament Arena and devote hundreds of hours in organising the event and ensuring it runs like clock-work.

Thatcham Tornadoes would also like to thank all the referees for freely giving their time throughout the tournament, Kennet School and the PTA, DE Photos, Tracie's Creative Faces, Newbury Bouncy Castles, Penmar Transport and all the parents/volunteers who have given their time to make this tournament such a success.

Results from the 2013 Tornadoes Tournament

U7’s Fair Play Award: Tadley Calleva Gold

U8 Fair Play Award: Robins FC

U9
Main Cup Winners: BSS Salisbury Sao Paulo
Runners Up: AFC Newbury

Consolation Cup Winners BSS Salisbury Corinthians
Runners Up: Theale Tigers

U10
Main Competition Winners: Winklebury Wizards Red
Runners Up: Thatcham Tornadoes Amber

Consolation Competition Winners: Hungerford Town
Runners Up: Goring Robins

U11
Main Cup Winners: Highworth Town
Main Cup Runners Up: Tornadoes Black

Consolation Cup Winners: Abbey Rangers
Consolation Cup Runners Up: Eldon Celtic

U12
Main Competition Winners: Tornadoes Amber
Runners Up: Pinnacle Youth

Consolation Competition Winners: Reading Rangers
Runners Up: Thatcham Tornadoes Black

U13
Main Competition Winners: Tadley Calleva Blue
Runners Up: Greenmeadow Youth B

Consolation Competition Winners: Greenmeadow Youth A
Runners Up: Woolton Hill Argyle White

U14
Main Competition Winners: Basingstoke Real
Runners Up: Basingstoke Patriots

Consolation Competition Winners: Purton Youth
Runners Up: Thatcham Town Harriers Yellow

U15
Main Competition Winners: University of Portsmouth
Runners Up: Pinnacle Youth

Consolation Competition Winners: AFC Newbury Colts
Runners Up: Purton Youth Blue

U16
Main Competition Winners: AFC Aldermaston
Runners Up: Pinnacle Youth B

Consolation Competition Winners: Pinnacle Youth A
Runners Up: Theale Tigers Black