Successful football festival at Plympton Academy

The 2018 FIFA World Cup may have kicked off in Russia but closer to home students at Plympton Academy took part in their own football competition recently.

The school held its first Girls’ Football Festival with players from four local primary schools; Old Priory, Yealmpstone Farm, Sparkwell and Mary Dean, taking part.

The event, training sessions and a football tournament, was organised by 52 Year 9 students from Plympton Academy. They took on many different roles in planning and delivering the successful tournament, including coaching, selecting team captains, refereeing and scoring. They also achieved a Youth Sport Award from The Youth Sport Trust. The Trust is working with the Football Association in raising the profile and participation in girls’ football as recent reports show significantly lower levels of girl’s participation in physical activity at adolescence than boys.

Footballer and student, Megan Appleby said; "We had to plan everything, even risk assessments, certificates and the order of play. It was sometimes difficult but we have all really enjoyed it!"

Her team mate, Ella Kerswill agreed it was a great experience. "We have learnt a range of skills during this whole process; leadership, confidence, problem solving and life skills. We can use these skills in other subjects in school and out of school."

The winning team at the end of the day was Old Priory.

PE teacher, Kirsty Luke, said she was incredibly proud of every girl involved. “I still find myself surprised with the levels of professionalism, passion and resilience our young leaders demonstrated! Girls’ football is definitely moving in the right direction and I’m excited for the future.”