Blackburn and Darwen School Games

On Tuesday 25th February around 80 pupils from 10 different Primary schools in the Borough took part in the Blackburn with Darwen B Team Football Tournament. Schools used their Sports Premium funding to allow the Blackburn and Darwen School Games team to organise and deliver the event at St Bede’s High School. The event turned out to be a great success and we received some great feedback from both pupils and teachers.

 

The tournament was aimed at key stage 2 pupils who enjoy playing football but have never, or very rarely, had the chance to represent their school in a competitive football tournament.

 

The 10 teams were split into 3 groups with the winners progressing through to the semi-finals along with 1 lucky runner-up, the team finishing second with the highest points across all 3 groups. The teams that competed were: Cedars, St Cuthbert’s, Shadsworth, Lower Darwen, Wensley Fold, Audley, The Redeemer B & C, St Thomas’, Lammack and Feniscowles. Audley, and both of The Redeemer teams won their groups which meant they progressed and Feniscowles claimed the lucky runner-up spot. They proved their place was justified by beating The Redeemer in the semi-final to join Audley, who beat the other Redeemer team, in the final. The final was a tense affair and the teams couldn’t be separated after normal time or even extra time. So the final went to penalties, after 5 tense spot kicks it came down to the last taker, and Audley managed to hold their nerve and score the deciding penalty and claim the trophy.

 

It was great to see so many children taking part in a competition that allowed them to represent their school. Hopefully this will give them the confidence and self-belief to continue playing and I’m sure that some of the players on show tonight will break into their schools football team. Congratulations to Audley on winning the competition and to everybody who attended. A big thank you for St Bede’s for the use of the facility on the night, and also to the young volunteers who gave up their free time to help referee the matches.