Football Festival Fun at St Andrew’s Prep
The St Andrew’s Prep sports field was crammed with children on Saturday afternoon as more than 300 boys and girls, aged 7-10 years old, representing 32 teams from local primary schools and football clubs gathered together for the St Andrew’s Prep Football Festival.
With the emphasis on fun and skill development, each team played in seven mini-matches. There were no winning or losing teams but every child received a medal and certificate and Golden Boots were awarded by St Andrew’s Prep Headmaster, Simon Severino, to the player or teams who had, from their coach’s point of view, performed particularly well.
Support was passionate from the side-lines and industrious and enthusiastic teamwork was evident on each of the eight football pitches. There were some outstanding performances which were noted by the many teachers, FA approved coaches and officials present. Especially pleasing was the number of girls who played in the event – almost certainly the result of a big drive by the FA to increase female players.
Chris Pinch, Joint Director of Sport at St Andrew’s Prep said, “Thank you to all of the children, parents and the army of volunteers who have helped to make this such a special day. It has been a huge amount of fun and I’m sure that each player has gained from it technically, physically and socially. It was encouraging to see so many children involved and such a positive attitude from all the coaches and spectators.”
All contributions made towards the refreshments on offer at the Festival were combined with funds raised by St Andrew’s Prep selling Red Noses throughout the week and a cake sale on Friday. As a result, £787 has been sent to Comic Relief to help people living tough lives across the UK and Africa.
