The festivals ran over two dates Saturday 25th April and 2nd May and the sun was shining for both days. The emphasis was on the players’ development and having fun. We expected the players to be competitive, but asked the spectators & coaches to be non-competitive, with their players’ development key in their minds.
Teams played a series of games on both days and the results were not recorded. The emphasis was on the players enjoying the game and developing as players and avoiding the ‘win at all costs’ attitude. Teams did a Champions League style handshake before each game and will shook hands again at the end of the games.
During the games, spectators and managers stayed in their marked out zones on opposite sides of the pitch and were asked to positively encourage all players and avoid criticising. The festival also gave valuable experience to young and newly qualified referees as we want them to develop and enjoy refereeing.
On the first Saturday players enjoyed a short skills session with FA Skills Coaches from Bedfordshire FA. The following week players took part in a penalty shootout with the chance to raise money for CLIC Sargent, a charity that helps children with cancer
In the run up to the festivals, managers and coaches attended coaching workshops and parents were encouraged to complete the FA Learning’s online ‘Respect Parents Guide’. This is all with the aim of helping the children to develop as players and to continue to enjoy football.
All players received a medal of achievement and Witchford Colts FC also won the Fair Play trophy as the club that best supported the ‘Let the Children Play’ ethos.
Below is a list of the clubs that took part:
Aztecs
Bar Hill
Burwell Tigers
Cherry Hinton Lions
Cottenham United
Dynamo Foxton
Littleport Rangers
Over Sports
Sawston United
Sutton Rangers
Swavesey Spartans
Teversham
Waterbeach
Witchford
All games were played in an excellent spirit and thanks go to all players, coaches, managers, referees, helpers and spectators who all created a fun, pressure free and friendly environment for the children to enjoy playing football.
If you would like more information on ‘Let the Children Play’ please contact Joanne Bull, Football Development Officer on 01223 209035 or email Joanne.Bull@CambridgeshireFA.com