Report: Bristol School Sports Cup - Football

Friday, March 20th 2015

Twelve football teams from schools across Bristol packed Ashton Gate last night to compete in the final of the Bristol Sport Schools Cup.

Six boys and six girls teams competed for the chance to lift the trophy at the inaugural event.

In a round-robin style competition all of the school teams played for two hours on the first team pitch at Ashton Gate stadium, culminating in a gold medal final for the boys and girls teams.

All of the games were hard-fought with several going to penalties and extra time. The boys final saw Ashton Vale triumph over St. Bonaventure’s one-nil. Speaking after the game St. Bonaventure’s were disappointed to lose but pleased with their performance:

“It’s been brilliant to play on the pitch here. We played in the Bristol Sport Schools Cup Basketball tournament a few weeks ago and won that so to come here and make the finals, we’re pretty chuffed!”

After some exuberant team celebrations Ashton Vale added “It has been a fantastic evening and has really inspired the children. They’ve been so excited to play here at Ashton Gate and to have come away with the trophy is just brilliant. We are looking forward to next year!”

The girls final was between Elmlea Juniors and West Town and was another close encounter, with extra-time needed to separate the two teams. Elmlea was ultimately victorious courtesy of a golden goal in the dying minutes of play.

The support from the 300-plus crowd added to the atmosphere for the youngsters and gave them an idea of what it feels like to be a professional footballer.

Many perhaps hoping to catch the eye of Bristol City Academy Manager Gareth Jennings, who was on-hand to present the trophies.

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“It’s been great to come down and watch so many of Bristol’s schoolchildren enjoy playing football at Ashton Gate. A few of the children are already involved in our academy programme but after tonight I’m thinking a few more will be!”

“I’m already looking forward to next year’s tournament!”

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Full results list to follow.

The next Bristol Sport Schools Cup is for rugby and takes place at Ashton Gate on Wednesday, April 22^nd, with stars from Bristol Rugby in attendance.