The half time break at Millers home games sees local schools play in the Primary Stars Cup in partnership with naming rights sponsor AESSEAL. As part of the work Rotherham United Community Sports Trust undertake in schools, children from school years 5 and 6 are invited to represent their primary school in a knockout competition which can include a dreaded sudden death penalty shootout!
Below is a match report from the Rotherham United vs Bolton Wanderers fixtures which saw an incredibly close match between local schools Redscope Primary and Ferham Primary on Saturday 20th October 2018.
Credit: Jack Kelly
Ferham, cheered on by school mascot 'Attendance Ted' took the lead in just the 2nd minute as Daniel Gazi scored an amazing goal hitting it into the top right corner. Knowing they needed to get back in the game, Redscope attacked with purpose as Ferham tried to protect their lead.
Redscope found Ferham goalkeeper Anniss Qasim in inspired form as he pulled off a number of fine saves. When Redscope did beat Qasim, the woodwork denied them as the ball hit the base of the post before rolling to safety.
A determined Redscope outfit netted the equalizer with just one minute remaining, just before the whistle blew to take the game to sudden death penalties. Ferham’s midfielder Hassan Zaman stepped up first to the penalty spot but saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Travis, who was also celebrating his birthday, for Redscope. Alfie from Redscope knew that a successful penalty would send his team through and he stepped up to score the winner, as the ball nestled in to the bottom left corner to spark wild celebrations.
“I was excited when I scored because it gave our team the boost it sort of needed at the time,” added Ferham’s goal scorer Daniel Gazi.
Ferham Primary teacher Mr Tasker added: “I think it football does bring people together, there are a lot more boys and girls from different backgrounds but football is a universal language. When I first came to Ferham I could really see the difference in ability between who did play and did not play football and that has changed significantly because they are all joining in and becoming very good at it in lots of cases.”
We ask fans to get behind the players in the remaining fixtures which take place on:
RUFC vs QPR, Tues 27th Nov, 7.45pm
RUFC vs Reading, Sat 15th Dec, 3pm
RUFC vs Reading, Sat 15th Dec, 3pm
RUFC vs Wigan Athletic, Sat 9th Feb, 3pm
RUFC vs Blackburn Rovers, Sat 2nd Mar, 3pm
RUFC vs Norwich City, Sat 16th Mar, 3pm
RUFC vs Nottingham Forest, Sat 6th Apr, 3pm
If your school would like to work with Rotherham United Community Sports Trust, please email Trust Operations Manager Gary Webb (gwebb@rotherhamunited.net)