Another successful year in Bedford Community League is in the books, with the 2022 Grand Final between Adelaide Atletico FC and The Lions proving to be one to remember.
Beginning in early July, the Bedford Community League undertook a ten-round competition format that ran through to October, which culminated with Finals football. In 2022, five teams fought to earn a place in this season’s final to potentially be crowned the 2022 Bedford Community League Champions.
Finishing the season with ten wins in ten, The Lions entered the Final on the 16th of October as favourites with the team eager to shake off the woes from the previous season's Phoneix Cup Final loss to Bradley BFFF. However, The Lions faced a difficult challenge, as a strong Adelaide Atletico FC squad awaited them, with the team fresh off national success, as they aimed to repeat their glory which saw them secure victory for South Australia in the Plate Final at the 2022 Para Football National Championships in Gold Coast.
The 2022 Bedford Community League Final was one to remember, as we were treated to a close matchup full of emotions between two top teams. It was Adelaide Atletico FC who was crowned the 2022 Champions after narrowly beating their opponents 5-4, providing The Lions with their first loss of the season. The day also saw One Culture secure third place after an impressive victory over Orana.
On Friday the 28th of October, Football SA held a Presentation Night at ServiceFM Stadium as they provided all the participants in the Bedford Community League with their first opportunity to celebrate their achievements for the year. The 2022 Bedford Community League Presenatation Night saw Kimberley Conte, Head of WWC Adelaide & Legacy, MC the event.
The 2022 Bedford Community League Presentation Night saw four special guests from the Manchester City Supporters Club attend the night, including Stuart Parker, Chair; Neil Fuller, Honorary President; Lily Ainsworth, Member of the club; and Jonathan Capehart, Treasurer and Ticket Officer, with the group donating $500 towards the league. Bedford Group Executive Manager People, Communications, Strategy and Quality, Tim Wilson was also in attendance for the event that night.
About Neil Fuller:
During his youth, Neil was an ambitious soccer player, gaining a position playing at state level in South Australia. It was during a soccer game in July 1987, that his tibia and fibula was broken, and a major artery in his right leg was severed in an attempted tackle to the shin. This accident led to the lower part of his right leg being amputated.
In February 1989, Neil entered the Amputee Nationals in Adelaide in 100m race, long jump, and high jump. Neil was then selected as a member of the Australia team to compete at the Far East & South Pacific International Championships where he competed in the 100m, long jump, high jump, and the pentathlon.
After the accident, Neil made a comeback into the world of sports becoming a world class runner and world record holder.
Neil is the honorary president of Manchester City Adelaide Supporters group and is also the sport coordinator at St Peter’s Girls School in Adelaide.
The 2022 Bedford Community League Presentation Night saw three awards presented, including:
Golden Boot Winner
Jordy Henderson - The Lions (23 Goals)
Golden Glove Winner
Voted by coaches and referees 3, 2, 1 voting system
Joshua Butler – Sturt Lions FC
Best and Fairest Winner
Voted by coaches and referees 3, 2, 1 voting system
Taylor Harvey – Adelaide Atletico FC