Pupils enjoy soccer festival

Jul 3 2009 by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Friday

MORE than 400 primary school children took part in a football festival at the King George V Sports Complex, in Dumfries last week.

The youngsters could try various activities, including speed tests, skills challenges, shooting targets and mini matches as the complex had an inflatable pitch on the main pitch and the new Soccerena in the car park.

The festival brought together all the local schools who had taken part in football coaching delivered by the council’s leisure and sport section.

This gave 15 hours training for each school, which was supported by funding from the Scottish Football Association and McDonald’s.

The aim now is to get more children involved in football and the council, in conjunction with the Scottish FA and local professional clubs, will be operating football camps to improve skills.

More information is available by telephoning 07712 666 863.

Councillor Peter Duncan, chairman of the council’s resources committee, said: “For their future physical and mental well being, it’s vital that we do all we can to encourage youngsters to take part in physical activity and sports. This successful and popular event brought together more than 400 primary school pupils to have fun, play football, develop their skills, and be active.”