Devon girls in football tournament

In memory of former Exeter journalist

Girls from schools across Devon have competed in a six-a-side tournament in memory of former Exeter City Community Trust operations manager Catherine Fraser who died in 2015 after a battle with breast cancer.

Ms Fraser was formerly a journalist at the Times before joining the Express and Echo in Exeter.

The six-a-side tournament at Exwick Sports Hub featured 15 teams of year seven girls from Tiverton High School; Colyton Grammar School; The Maynard School; Teignmouth Community School; Queen Elizabeth’s School; West Exe High School; Sidmouth Community College; Isca Academy; Clyst Vale Community College; St Peter’s School; Cullompton Community College, and Teign School.

St Peter’s School and Teign School won.

Catherine’s mother Glenda Riley, who donated funds to create the annual event, together with Catherine's daughter Dulcie Fraser awarded the teams their trophies, alongside Exeter City Women’s captain Manfy Sharpe.

Jamie Vittles, chief executive of Exeter City Community Trust, said: ‘We were really pleased to be able to hold the tournament again this year, following a break due to covid. Catherine was one of the first female sports editors at a national newspaper; she broke down barriers and never let any obstacles stand in her way. We’re proud to organise this tournament in her memory for the young female players of today.

“We’re grateful to Glenda for continuing to support this event which gives young female footballers the chance to compete, to develop their skills, and to have fun whilst being physically active. 

Glenda Riley with the year seven football team from Teign School (image courtesy: David Gribble)

As well as staging the Catherine Fraser Memorial Tournament, Exeter City Community Trust runs a number of programmes to encourage girls of all ages to participate in football, starting with sessions for tots from aged four and Grecian Girls sessions for ages five to 14. It also runs the Girls’ Development Centre for nine to 16 year olds, from which players move on to the Exeter College Academy, with a pathway ultimately to the Exeter City Women’s team.