Festival's fun a crucial factor

GIRLS want more football in school and this was emphasised at the Girls' Football Festival at Foote's Lane. As part of the GFA's education

programme, teams from 10 primary schools entered Years 5 and 6 teams.

Chris Pringle, the GFA's development officer, said it was a fun but competitive event.

'This is all the more special because it's a girls' event and because it will be run by students from Elizabeth College as part of a junior football organisers' course,' he said.

Elizabeth College Year 12 pupils provided the commentary, did the refereeing and undertook timekeeping for the day as Pringle fulfilled two aims.

'Firstly it's to encourage more girls to play football,' he said.

'Secondly, in relation to the Elizabeth College course, we hope to produce young leaders of the future to run and manage festivals like this.'

The six-a-side event was well supported by parents and friends.

Vale Rec senior women's player Elaine Trott came to watch her partner's daughter, Dana Jordan, 10, from Notre Dame and was encouraged by what she saw.

'I think it's really good for the girls as it shows that women's football is being taken more seriously,' she said.

'I wish I could have done something like this when I was at school. I think if football had been encouraged like this years ago, the standard of women's football today would be a lot stronger.'

Rob Jordan, who is Vale Rec women's manager, was delighted to see his daughter involved in the tournament.

'Dana already plays football for Vale Rec so this is great for her. She's been going on about today for weeks,' he said.

'There are so many girls in the primary schools that want to play football and I think the GFA should be doing more, although I know they are trying.'

One school team who enjoyed their afternoon were St Mary and Michael.

'I've had a really good day. It's great to play a sport that I understand and enjoy,' said Katie Simon, 10.

'Tournaments are fun because we get to play loads of games and I think there should be more football at school,' said Ellie Ogier, 10.

'Today has been good and it's the joining in, not winning that counts,' said Katherine Mooney, 10.

Castel School PE co-ordinator Joe Bailey felt the day was a good opportunity for the girls to be involved in a sport that is so male dominated.

'They don't get many chances to play football, which is a shame because there are so many girls here today with pockets of ability and commitment,' he said.

Castel pupil Beth Gabriel, 11, shared her teacher's thoughts.

'It's great to be playing girls against girls as we don't have many chances to play football,' she said.

'Most boys say they are the best players, but some girls are equally as good and we have a girl that plays for our school team,' she said.

The day was well organised, with Elizabeth College overseers proving very capable of running such an event.

Commentator for the day Ian Ogier said he had been a little apprehensive beforehand.

'I was a little bit nervous, but it's good to be able to do this as it's an important job that has helped build my confidence,' he said.

The tournament had no overall winner and certificates were awarded to each team at the end.