YOUNG footballers from schools across Helensburgh and Lomond gathered at Hermitage Academy recently for the latest Live Argyll Active Schools football festival.

Organised in partnership with Ardencaple FC and sponsored by Helensburgh Toyota, these big sporting events provide a fantastic experience for local pupils whilst also highlighting effective partnership work by Live Argyll Active Schools with community sports clubs in the area and supported by local business.

Following the footsteps of the previous year’s unbeatable school team, Hermitage Primary have again managed to retain the Active Schools Cup in comfortable fashion.

A total of seven schools participated this year in a round robin format tournament with some keenly contested matches and close scores recorded.

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A large crowd of spectators attended the tournament to support and cheer on the young players.

The weather was favourable until the very end of the event which enabled some exciting matches with great skill, commitment and sportsmanship.

Local schools participating this year included Hermitage, Colgrain, Cardross, Rhu, St Joseph’s, Lomond School and John Logie Baird Primary.

Players from all the squads proved to be great ambassadors for their school on the night and each school achieved at least one win or draw during the tournament.

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Hermitage Primary were victorious on the night after winning all their matches and finishing top of the table with a maximum 18 points.

The battle for second and third place was a much closer affair, with Colgrain squeezing into the runners-up slot thanks to a total of 11 points gained from three wins, two draws and a loss, while Cardross finished in third place – just one agonising point behind Colgrain.

As well as hosting the tournament, Hermitage Academy kindly provided the referees for the event in the form of three senior pupils who are currently attending an SFA-run referee training course.

Live Argyll Active Schools work closely with the PE Department at Hermitage Academy to help develop future Sports Leaders and coaches.

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Events like this provide a perfect opportunity for the school’s young Sports Leaders to gain experience with the new skills and qualifications they have gained.

Live Argyll’s Active Schools coordinator Martin Caldwell said: “I would like to thank Ardencaple FC, in particular Euan Birss, for support with the tournament; Helensburgh Toyota for their sponsorship; Martin O’Brien-Bardon for photographs; the referees; and of course all the school staff and volunteer coaches who looked after the teams on the night.

“It was also great to have so many spectators attend to watch the pupils play.

“The atmosphere was great with encouragement for all teams, allowing the players to express themselves on the pitch – and most importantly to have fun.”

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