24 April 2007
VIDEO: FA Cup Schools Day 2007

Three time FA Cup winner Tony Adams visited Northgate Primary School to promote the first FA Cup Schools Day.

Although this year's FA Cup final is a traditional north-south clash between Manchester United and Chelsea, the same could not be said on FA Cup Schools Day.

On Tuesday, the Salford North and South School Sports Partnerships combined forces as 32 schools and over 300 girls competed at the Salford Sports Village, home of Manchester FA.

The competition, run in partnership with the Manchester FA Development Team, was a huge success with the year three and four pupils taking their turn first to play at ‘Old Trafford’ and ‘Wembley’ on route to the Cup Final.

In a spirit of fun and enjoyment, Brentnall Primary and Langworthy Road made it to the final with Brentnall emerging eventual winners in a pulsating match.

The year five and six competition was equally exciting with St Mary’s Cadishead emerging triumphant with a hard fought victory over Wharton.

Joanne Holden, Salford South co-organiser was delighted with the response to the day.

"It is wonderful to see so many schools here, and nice that some schools are taking part in a girls' football competition for the first time."

Adam Worsley, co-organiser from Salford North, added: "The standard of play and spirit of fair play has been superb today and is a credit to the schools involved."

The most credit, however, must be reserved for the Sports Leaders from Wentworth High School who took responsibility for organising the competition on the day.

Paul Bright, Manchester FA Football Development Officer, said: "The first ever FA Cup Schools Day has been a great success with local School Sports Partnerships and the County FA working together to deliver a fantastic festival.

"The FA Cup day has given over 300 primary school girls the opportunity to play in an organised competition, and has enabled the JFO students from local High Schools to gain valuable experience in refereeing, coaching and organising football events."

Winners Brentnall will now represent Salford in The Greater Manchester Mini Soccer Festival in June, and St Mary’s will represent the City in the Greater Manchester Mini Games in July.

For more information about the Football Education Initiatives, please contact Paul Bright at Manchester FA on 0161 604 7632 or e-mail paul.bright@manchesterfa.com.