Reading lift Luton Summer Football trophy

The Gambian football team from Reading in the UK for the first time lifted the Luton Summer Football Tournament trophy, which ended in a dramatic penalty shoot out on Saturday 17th July 2010, in Luton at Wigmore Parts, Stopsley.

Six football teams: London, Reading, Milton Keynes, Luton, a team of Sierra Leoneans and Zimbabweans based in Luton contested for the title. The tournament was very interesting, as Milton Keynes and Reading showed superb skills of play in the first round to win their group stage.

Luton's chance to qualify in the second round was made possible when Milton Keynes smartly defeated Zimbabwe 3-1 in their final group match. 

However, Milton Keynes lost to Sierra Leone in the semi-final, while Reading maintained their unbeaten record to win Luton on penalties.

The final match ended in a penalty shoot out between Reading and the Sierra Leonean teams in which Reading capitalised on their performance with Luton to be crowned 2010 champions. 

Sierra Leone took the runners-up trophy, while most disciplined team trophy went to Luton and Mustapha Jallow, who won the best player trophy and leading goal scorer with four goals.

Luton was coached by former Gambian international goal keeper Wandeh Njie.

The event which was attended by one of The Gambia's most talented sports men in centuries Mr. Baye Malleh Wadda and his children, was also witnessed by Saul Jagne, former Gambian international and Real De Banjul player, Njock Malick music promoter based in London, Chairman Friends of Sankurur, Mr. Kasala and Sheikh Ibrihim Khalil Baye Niass, just to name a few.

Mr. Amat Jaw Cham, the Chairman of the Luton Gambia Association, in his opening address, thanked the entire participants and urged them to play with discipline. He commended the players and supporters for their efforts towards the success of the tournament. He also commended Malcolm Rosher Sales and Marketing Director of Comline Auto Parts limited for sponsoring the Luton team.

The Luton Gambian Association, in recognition of the outstanding performance in promoting and developing Gambian sports, decorated medals to Mr. Bola Coker referee and Mr. Baye Malleh Wadda.

Xavier Johnson second referee and Kudakwashe Kanhutu, the organiser and player coach of Zimbabwe were also hailed for their maximum support.

Hon. Gavin Shuker MP for Luton South, the Mayor of Luton, Lamin Jaiteh, former GRTS Radio sports journalist and Councillor Phoday Jarjussey of Botwell Ward, both acknowledged their appreciation and commended the Luton Gambian Association.

It is hopeful that the event will be much bigger next year, as preparation is expected to start soon. All members of the Luton Gambian Association were being congratulated for sustaining this important event that brought many Africans together, particularly Gambians living in the UK for a day reunion.