Shropshire schools take aim for sporting glory
Shropshire youngsters are enjoying having the chance to represent their schools in fun sports festivals organised by a county coaching company.
The Crossbar Primary Festivals, organised by Crossbar Coaching Education in Sport, are being held throughout the academic year.
The festivals often serve as the first opportunity for the children involved to represent their schools at sport and help build confidence.
After the success of a trampoline dodgeball event and handball tournament before Christmas, two more festivals took place last term.
Aimed at Year 3/4 pupils, a futsal competition was held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre’s Wenlock Hall.
Schools from Telford took part in a combined event focusing on three alternative sports - new age kurling, boccia and archery - also proved popular with youngsters.
Kevin Sandwith, the schools liasion officer for Crossbar, said: "The futsal festival was aimed at pupils who have very little experience of the game in the hope that it will raise their confidence and build aspirations to seek other opportunities in futsal/football and other team sports.
"Grange Park were the overall winners of the eight team tournament after an excellent final with Newdale, the runners up.
"We returned to The Jubilee for another Year 3/4 event which featured new age kurling, boccia and archery. Eight schools attended with squads of six split into pairs to compete in each event for around 30 minutes. This allowed for lots of development in each game and all the pupils really enjoyed the format.
"The aim for each school was to collect as many points for their team, with St Mary's crowned winners of the competition after their pupils achieved some excellent personal scores in the archery event. That just gave them the edge over a very competitive St Peter’s, Bratton team, who were the runners up.”
