Grassroots football in Bathgate

Oct 20 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

Grassroots football in Bathgate

GRASSROOTS football took centre stage at Bathgate Sports Centre with a tournament and festival being held at the venue.

A football festival geared towards introducing youngsters to the beautiful game and a primary school competition both took place at the sports centre last week.

Windyknowe Primary School held a football tournament at the sports centre with Bathgate Academy pupils refereeing the matches.

The winning teams were FC Wolves, Scotland United and The Saints.

Class teacher Lesley Brook said: “The tournament was a way of finalising the learning so the children understood that there was more to football than just kicking a ball around.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the tournament and it was a great end to the term.”

The event was held on Wednesday, October 12.

A Football Challenge Festival was also held at the venue as a finale to the Scottish FA's flagship six week participation programme.

The scheme introduces youngsters to football and gives them a chance to take part in the beautiful game in a fun environment.

The schools which attended the Tesco Bank Football Challenge Festival on Wednesday, October 11 were St Mary's in Polbeth, Parkhead Primary, Addiewell Primary, Woodmuir Primary and St Thomas' in Addiewell.

Now in its second year, 120 boys and girls in the area have taken part so far.

St Mary’s head teacher Frank Boles said: “The children had a fantastic day.

“More than anything else, it gets the children active at the same time as having a lot of fun.

“I cannot recommend the programme highly enough.”

Craig Bodel from Sports Development said: “It was brilliant to see the children have so much fun at the Tesco Bank Football Challenge.

“I think it is a superb programme and I'm really pleased to support it.”

The festival was held on Tuesday, October 11.