On Thursday January 22nd 2015, Rotherham United Community Sports Trust held The Football League Kinder+ Sport Tournament Kids Cup at the Rotherham Football Centre.
The tournament was open to 6 a-side teams which made up of Under 11 boys and girls from schools around the borough of Rotherham. In total, 26 teams attended from 20 of the schools in comparison to the 14 schools that entered last year, this meant we were able to operate the tournament on a four mini league basis.
Football League Kinder+ Sport Tournament Kids Cup | ||
Name of Schools | ||
High Greave | Monkwood | East Dene |
Thornhill | Kilnhurst | Sand Hill |
Thorpe Hesley | Kimberworth | Coleridge |
St Joseph | Herringtonhorpe JNR | Dinnington |
Wentworth Cofe | St Bedes | Lilyhall |
Crags | Greaseborough | Anston Brook |
Bramley Sunyside | St Mary's |
|
A group of boys from Herringthorpe St Mary’s school took a step closer to realising their dreams by winning the Rotherham round of the Football League Kids Cup.
The games were quite competitive as all the teams had a good level of ability. At the conclusion of all the league games we were left with 8 teams who had just managed to finish in the top 2 positions in their respective leagues and progress to the quarter final stage. The winning 4 teams made it to the semi-finals where Herringthorpe St Marys brushed aside St Bedes 3-0 to set up a final against Anston Brook who just managed to beat off Thorpe Hesley following a nerve racking penalty shootout.
After an intense final, both teams could not be separated during the normal time as a result penalties were required. St Marys held their nerve the best with a triumphed 3-1. St Marys will now go on to represent Rotherham United in the Championship North Finals.
It is here that all the local winning teams from other clubs in the north will be playing against each other in the championship. The team who triumphs at this event will go on to the grand final which will be held at Wembley Stadium prior to the Championship play-off final.
Staff from Rotherham United CST will be accompanying the school and hoping that St Mary’s can become the first school ever to take Rotherham United to Wembley in this competition.”
A big “Thank you” to Rotherham United Community Sports Trust” for organising the Rotherham round of the Football League Trust Kids cup. My son and his school team took part in the competition and he, like all the other players, thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. RUCST’s organisation of the event was slick and I was amazed at how their staff managed to keep so many young footballers interested in proceedings, well behaved and safe. Many thanks also to the teachers of the participating schools for all their hard work in supporting the event and allowing their students to take advantage of this great opportunity to enjoy a feast of football. Finally it is great that Rotherham united have such great support from the first team players, I had the opportunity to meet Frazier Richardson and Richie Smallwood who were magnificent with the children. They spent time talking to the kids, signing autographs and even hosted an impromptu crossbar challenge. Well done all round. (Martin Mullane, Parent).
Rotherham United PFA members Frazer Richardson and Richard Smallwood attended the event to show their support by presenting the awards to both teams in the final. All teams in the tournament also had a photo opportunity with the players. The kids were overjoyed by the players’ appearance as they flocked to get their autographs especially on their football boots.
James Rawlinson, Sports Development officer commented: “Excellent sportsmanship was seen from all teams during the tournament. We are delighted to have St Mary’s representing Rotherham United in the Championship North Finals.”
Jamie Noble., Head of Community added: “Special thanks to all of the participating schools and their teams for their great effort throughout the tournament, along with the PFA members Richardson and Smallwood. The tournament was a great success and we at the Community Sports Trust are looking forward to continue working with the schools of Rotherham to provide more opportunities like this and more.
We would like to thank the Rotherham Football Centre for hosting the event. Also, special thanks to all the schools that participated in the event and making it a fantastic day.
Please click the link below for photos:
Kinder+ Sport Tournament Kids Cup
For more information please contact:
James Rawlinson
Sports Development Officer
Tel: 01709 827 767
Email: jrawlinson@rotherhamunited.net
Website: www.rucst.co.uk
Twitter: @RU_CST
Facebook: RUCST