As with the previous year, McDonalds supplied an inflatable pitch and in addition, inflatable shoot out and dribbling areas, with prizes for all those who took part. McDonalds water bottles, medals and badges were also awarded to all participants in the festival.

Over 350 players, from 33 Charter Standard teams took part at the following age groups; U8, U9, U10 (boys) and U10, U12 (girls). Ably assisted by McDonalds Level 1 volunteers, 14 referees selected ‘fair play’ winners in each age group, based on players, coaches and parents behaviour and attitudes towards other teams. The format has proved to be increasingly popular year by year and really captures the spirit of the festival.

One particular success story came in the Girl’s Under 12 group. A newly-formed team of girl’s from Thorplands United FC took part in the festival.

Thorplands is one of the areas highlighted in the nationally recognised Northampton ‘Street Football’ Project, which is aimed at increasing provision in areas of deprivation in Northampton. This is a project that has received funding from the Football Foundation. These girls had previously never been given the opportunity to play football before and thoroughly enjoyed their first experience of playing structured football in a festival, running the eventual winners in their age group very close for the fair play award.

This was the first time the festival had been run for Charter Standard clubs only, as part of the Northamptonshire FA’s commitment to rewarding clubs that demonstrate good practice. Although this meant less teams taking part, the resounding feedback was that this was the best festival to date and is certainly a format that will be continued with next year.

Special thanks go to all teams who took part, parents, coaches, McDonalds volunteers, referees, all volunteers from Bugbrooke St. Michael’s FC (Charley Hawkey in particular), NFA council members and NFA staff (including Governance and the NFA Chief Executive).

Also to McDonalds (for providing prizes and equipment) and Mick Baikie, FA Regional Manager for the East Midlands, who presented the fair play awards. Raffle prizes included ticket vouchers and signed equipment from Northampton Town FC and Rushden and Diamonds FC, plus a signed pair of Rachel Brown’s Goalkeeper gloves.