Skem Men-Aces do the double at football tournament

Jul 21 2011 by Joe Thomas, Ormskirk Advertiser

IMPRESSIVE performances saw Skem Men-Aces FC win two competitions and finish runner-up in another in just a matter of days.

The club won two cups at a tournament for adults with learning disabilities held by the Liverpool FA.

They then headed to the seaside and came second in a competition at Lytham.

The club split into two sides for the Pat Ryan Memorial Tournament, held at Picton Aquatics Centre.

Based on ability, the two seven-a-side teams competed in leagues of six as they battled for glory.

Playing each team twice both Men-Aces teams finished in the top two of their groups, qualifying for the final. And both won their respective ties – Men-Aces A beating Alderwood A 3-1, and Men-Aces B clinching a 5-2 win over Alderwood B.

One of the tournament highlights was Michael Barnes’s first-ever goal for the B team in their final.

Coach Mim Eaton said the win meant a lot to the squad.

She said: “That’s how precious the football is to our lads because they’ve never been given a chance before, it’s good just to offer them new experiences all the time.

“It’s a community-based group and the amount of times the community of Skelmersdale and the surrounding areas have helped us is amazing.”

The Men-Aces are currently looking for a new coach. Anyone can apply, regardless of football ability or gender, as long as they enjoy working with adults with learning difficulties, and are over 18.

For more information on Skem Men-Aces, visit: www.skemmen-aces.org.uk/home/4538857418