Carr Hill High School hosted its first Football Festival inviting pupils from other local schools to compete in a friendly tournament after being inspired by an initiative launched by Blackpool FC.
Around 80 female pupils came together from six local secondary schools to play against Carr Hill and other u13s teams. The idea developed after Carr Hill High School was invited to take part in Blackpool FC’s Football Festival. The festival was for year 9 and 10 students and Carr Hill High School decided to host a similar competition for younger players.
The Football Festival was unlike other tournaments that students are used to competing in as no scores were recorded. The aim of the event was to give the girls an opportunity to play in a fun environment, helping to promote fair play, sportsmanship and teamwork by creating a positive atmosphere for the students to play in.
The festival composed of four rounds of fixtures with each match lasting three minutes, this gave all 12 teams the chance to play each other. Two Carr Hill students training for their FA badges also took on the role of referee.
Carr Hill student Nell, who is in year 8 and plays for the school team, said: “I think the Football Festival was a great idea. I think it is a really fair and fun way of competing against other schools.”
Francesca and Olivia are year 8 students from Millfield School who also play on their school team. Olivia said: “When we found out about the tournament we all wanted to come along. The staff and students at Carr Hill are all nice and friendly and made us feel welcome.”
Francesca said: “It’s nice to play against teams without having any pressure of winning and just having fun. It was a good way to make friends and get to know people from other schools that are the same age and have the same interests as you.”
Although no scores were recorded on the day the staff from all the participating schools did jointly decide on a Player and Runner-up Player of the Festival award. Lucy Williamson from Highfield Humanities College was awarded the Player of the Festival whilst Ellie Spooner from Montgomery High School won the Runner-up of the Festival award.
Carr Hill PE Teacher Mr Doughty said: “The Football Festival was a great opportunity to celebrate the young talent we have in our local area in a fun and supportive way. All the staff were impressed with the way the girls worked together not only by supporting those in their own team but in offering encouragement to teams from other schools too.
“We were pleased with the number of schools that wanted to take part and with 12 teams competing it was an impressive turnout. We hope to host this event again in the near future and encourage more local schools take part.”
Other Images
LOCAL SCHOOLS TAKE PART IN FOOTBALL FESTIVAL HOSTED BY CARR HILL
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