Focus on Youth

Fife 7-a-side league champions defeated

Wednesday, 04 April 2012

Kirkaldy High School was the scene of the Series 3 Fife 7-a-side Football League for pupils with support needs.

The series was the climax of the league, now in its second year.

Players from Balwearie High School (BHS), Lochgelly High School (LHS) and Woodmill High School (WHS) contested
three round robin tournaments to determine the champions of 2012 and to identify the teams to go forward to represent Fife at the national finals at Ravenscraig on Monday, 30th April. 

LHS are the defending champions and during Series 1 and 2, its team was undefeated.

In Series 3, WHS players produced the upset of the tournament with a single goal from Andrew Williams, of WHS, to record a win over the champions.

WHS won the remaining game against BHS to win Series 3 with six points to four points for LHS and two points for BHS.

Overall, LHS retained the league title with 16 points, WHS finishing two points behind with 14.

David McArdle, of the Scottish FA, presented shields and medals to the winners and runners-up and paid tribute to the sportsmanship and quality of play of all three teams. 

LHS and WHS will now represent Fife at the national finals. 

Glen Fraser, of WHS, was identified as the goalkeeper of the tournament.

The top scorer was Lloyd Simpson of LHS with nine goals, second place Billy Davidson of LHS with six goals and in third place Andrew Williams of WHS with five goals.

A number of players caught the eye of David McArdle who is responsible for identifying players to attend the trials for the national squad.

It is hoped that, for the first time, Fife schools will be represented at the national trials. 

A Disability Sport Fife spokemsan said his body was" indebted to the rector and staff of Kirkcaldy High School for once again allowing use of their excellent 7s football facilities for the 7-a-side League".

And he thanked Sean Hall, of the Scottish FA, for refereeing  the tournament.

The Disability Sport Fife and Scottish FA partnership has made a considerable impact on the number of players with additional support needs enjoying the game of football.