Schools Go FA Cup Crazy

Rowley Park, Stafford was the venue for the first EON National FA Cup Schools Day organised by Staffordshire Football Association. FA Charter Standard schools from all over the County converged on Stafford to take part in this event, which were being held simultaneously all across the Country on Tuesday 24^th April 2007. 

Around 450 boys and girls aged between 9 and 13 competed in the festival, which involved playing a number of matches, penalty shoot outs and an FA Cup quiz.

The whole event was themed to show the history of the greatest cup tournament in the world, including an imitation of the new Wembley arch, all the pitches named after FA Cup venues and even a white horse and police officer, recreating the scene of the first ever cup final at Wembley back in 1923.

Everyone who entered received a goody bag and certificate from EON and the FA.

Carol Lewis, a teacher from Heath Hayes Primary School said: “The day has given our pupils the chance to play against other Schools from all over the County.” Mrs Brewster from Ryecroft Middle School in Rocester added: “Today has been an excellent opportunity for our girls’ to improve their skills, we have a year 8 girl’s football team and we hope to get a year 5 and 6 team up and running soon.”

“The day was a tremendous success, and one which we hope we can continue on annual basis”, stated Andy Weston, County Development Manager. “The emphasis of the day was to have fun and to show what football can do, not just on a pitch, but educationally as well.” 

Anyone who wants more information on what initiatives Staffordshire FA are involved in can log onto www.staffordshirefa.com