Over 1000 participants from all over Clackmannanshire recentlyenjoyed a superb day out taking part in the annual Football For All Festival at Alloa Rugby Club.
 

The whole day comprised a variety of events and activities for different age groups.

These ranged from pre-school, with coaching available
throughout the day for under five-year-olds all the way through to the Forth Valley Disability Fair Play Festival which featured adults/secondary soccer sevens.

In addition to this there was also a Tesco Bank Festival
taking place for children in the primary two and three, Fun Fours estival for primary four and five and a Soccer Sevens festival for primary six and seven.
 

Councillor Ellen Forson, Convener of Clackmannanshire Council Education, Sport and Leisure, said: "This is the pinnacle of the year’s football festivals in Clackmannanshire.

"It is something which has been going now for 12 years and this year we believe it was bigger and better than ever
before with the event focussing on fun and enjoyment for everyone either taking part or just watching."

As well as the football, a host of other activities were held throughout the day with music and on the spot prizes for primary school age children.
 

There were also a range of Olympic based activities for the children to try out as well as bowling, target games, beat the goalie, boccia and the traditional bouncy castle.
 

Provost Tina Murphy and Deputy Provost, Councillor Irene Hamilton, both went along to enjoy the fun and lend their support, as well as present prizes such as water bottles, tickets and certificates which were handed out at the end of the festival.

These were awarded in recognition of teams who had displayed high levels of fair play and sportsmanship on the day.
 

Graeme Henderson, football development officer at the Scottish FA, said: “It was great to see so many children of all ages playing football, hopefully this will be the start for many young footballers who will fall in love with the sport and
join a local club.

"It was fantastic to have Darren Young of Alloa Athletic come along with the third division trophy, as well as four female
Scotland International Players.

"These players are role models for all involved here today and I'm sure the children enjoyed speaking to them.
 

"Also a big thank you must go to all of those who helped support and attend this event. ”
 

If you are interested in football within Clackmannanshire please contact Graeme Henderson, football development officer on ghenderson@clacks.gov.uk or 01259 452332.