Community Update | Croft Park hosts local primary schools in a five-a-side tournament

Croft Park recently hosted a five-a-side tournament for Year 5 pupils from three local primary schools with the help of Spartans kit man and Community Coach Darren Maguire.

Croftway Academy, Malvins Close Academy and Morpeth Road Academy descended on Croft Park on a sunny Friday morning for an eagerly contested five-a-side football tournament.

After the event, parents of the children said, "What a fantastic day for the children, being able to mix with children from the other schools. It was so well organised and ran. A huge well done to Miss Kings and Darren." While others went on to say, "It was a lovely opportunity for the children and the smiles on their faces said it all. Sports events like this are brilliant for the children to develop many transferable skills and promote good health and wellbeing."

Sophie Kings, the organiser of the event and teacher at Croftway Academy, said, "The Year 5 football tournament was a great success. It was very well organised by Blyth Spartans and the children thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a fantastic opportunity for the children within the academy to take part in an inter-school competition, where they showed excellent resilience, confidence and sportsmanship."

She went on to say, "It was also lovely to see so many parents/carers and grandparents supporting their children. Thank you so much and hopefully we will run another football event next academic year."

The event is the first of a series of community initiatives Blyth Spartans are facilitating, starting in the school summer holidays with plans to develop a community project. The club are also hoping to secure grants from The National League Trust which will enable the club to increase the range of activities they can offer in the community.

In the end, Malvins Close Academy won the 'Europa League' and Morpeth Road Academy came out on top with the 'Champions League' but overall it was a day enjoyed by both pupils and teachers.