Panna KO winner Chace O’Neill (blue shorts)
Islington youngster wins Panna UK tournament
On Sunday 31 May, Chace O’Neill from Liverpool Road in Islington won the first ever UK Final of Dutch Panna KO, a street football tournament, which was held at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium.
17-year-old Chace beat players from Hull, Belfast, Liverpool, Glasgow and London to claim first prize; a trip to the Panna KO European Championships held in Eindhoven, the Netherlands in November of this year.
The day kicked off at 12pm and saw many local kids battle it out over the few remaining places in the final including Chace who had previously lost out during the preliminary rounds days before. His determination saw Chace return for a last shot at a place in the final which prevailed, and just a few hours later, all the finalists had been chosen. Two local youngsters ended up in the final Panna Battle of the UK, but after a close fought battle, Chase came out on top and Mayoress of Islington Anna Berent and Deputy Head of Mission Laurens Westhoff of the Dutch embassy presented Chase with the title of Panna King UK.
Upon winning Chace said: “It feels great to win the Panna Tournament! I’ve always had a love for street football and I think this is a great idea. It’s an opportunity for young people in communities who have a love for football to play competitively, but also express themselves through the football they play without too much pressure.
“Panna KO brings a different football culture to the UK, different to the English typical style of play because there’s minimal contact. It’s all about the skills! It’s like dancing with the ball and just playing with a smile!”
Over 260 players attended last weekend, with over 1000 spectators cheering on the competitors. Huge banners and an inflatable archway announced the tournament to passers by as hip hop music cascaded over the platform. Freestylers Nelson de Kok, Mo Boutaka and Joshua "The Dreamer" Agteres all displayed their exceptional skills and several enthusiasts challenged them to freestyle battles, while plenty of spectators and participants had a go on the speed gun.
For further information on Dutch Panna, go to www.pannaknockout.co.uk.
[Monday, June 08, 2009]
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