Accrington Stanley Community Trust ran the group stages of the Football League Kids Cup Primary School tournament last week. Ten local primary schools battled it out to be in with a chance of representing Accrington Stanley at the regional finals in early 2014 and ultimately, a chance to represent us at half time during the League Two Play Off final at Wembley in May.
There wasn't a cloud in the sky but it was bitterly cold in the morning session for the 5 schools taking part with the pitches at Springhill Primary School being frosty. As the day went on and in particular for the 5 schools taking part in the afternoon session, the frost disappeared and it became a glorious day to play football.
"The schools played some fantastic football in difficult conditions and can be proud of themselves," said Chris Mullen, Sport Development Officer at the Trust. "The group stages made for some very close games and there was plenty of goals scored. As this was a tournament it meant that first place in each group would compete in the final during half time at Accrington Stanley's home match with Exeter on Saturday 14th December. With the runners up of each group taking part on the same day in a third place play-off."Accrington Stanley captain Luke Joyce along with fellow players Nicky Hunt and Tom Aldred attended the final games of the tournament to show their support for the schools. They also conducted a question and answer session for all the children at the end of the tournament.
The winners of group A and B and ultimately going through to the Kids cup final were: St Mary's Primary School in Oswaldtwistle and St James Less Primary School in Rossendale.
Runners up from group A and B and whom are contesting the 3rd place play off were: Peel Park Primary School in Accrington and Helmshore Primary School in Rossendale.We would like to thank all teams for taking part and look forward to the finals on Saturday 14th December.