Kilkenny football club commended for sporting gesture during U12 match

Evergreen FC have been commended by both the Kilkenny District Soccer League and the SFAI League Committee for a display of sportsmanship shown during an U12 away fixture versus Tramore.

The following is an account from the referee of the Tramore vs Evergreen U12 SFAI match played on Sunday, October 8, 2023:

"A small report to highlight, and place on record, an incident in the 5th minute of the U12 SFAI match between Tramore AFC v Evergreen FC.

"Some confusion from the players from Tramore occurred when the goalkeeper caught the ball from a looping shot.

"The girl then handed the ball to a defender to take a goal kick; however the ball had not gone out of play and so, as referee following the 'Laws Of The Game', I had no choice but to whistle for a penalty kick.

"However, the Evergreen FC coaches, and one who seemed to be the head coach in particular, called me over and asked if the game could continue with a drop ball without awarding the penalty.

"The coach said that they were just kids and deserved a chance to learn the game without a punishment for a mix up.

"After checking with the Tramore AFC coaches and that they were happy to proceed with a drop ball, the game resumed.

"I thanked the coach for his commendable sporting attitude both at the time of the incident and again after the full time whistle."

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The Evergreen FC girls then went on to win the game, which was their first match of the National Cup.