Boys and girls took to the pitches in celebration of England’s participation in the FIFA World Cup. Players from local primary schools were invited to attend the Westmorland County FA’s England Football Day as part of the build up to the match v Algeria.
Boys teams, girls teams and mixed teams from Year 5 and 6 played in a friendly festival, held at The Queen Katherine School. The teams were placed in small groups to ensure there was plenty of playing time for everyone, with no scores kept the players could go out and enjoy the occasion without the pressure of having to win. Unlike the match held later on that evening, there were no 0-0 draws played out !
All teams played attacking football with the small sided games giving players the opportunity to try out new positions. A skills session was available for players to try new skills and be coached in the techniques whilst waiting to play their next game. No players were kept waiting, with fixtures and the skills session going on. The players then had the opportunity to try out their new skills and tricks on the field of play when their next fixture was up.
The matches were refereed by young leaders from the County FA Young Leadership programme and referees who form part of the Referee Development Group. The young volunteers helped set up the tournament and were invaluable to the smooth running of the event. Helen Aitchison, Girls & Women’s Football Development Officer said “Without these young leaders we would not have the capacity to deliver these festivals giving more than 150 boys and girls the opportunity to play football and represent their schools in the fun festival.”
All players went home with certificates from the event, with girls also given information on local clubs in the area.
The Westmorland County FA would like to thank The Queen Katherine School for hosting the event as well as the following schools who made the day such an occasion for the players; Burton Morewood, Crosscrake, Dean Gibson, Goodly Dale, Grange, Old Hutton, Staveley and Stramongate School.
The next opportunity for players in Westmorland to attend an England Day will be in a couple of weeks when the Year 3 and 4 festival is delivered.