Local primary schools were looking to book their place at the Gloucestershire county primary school football games. The tournament was hosted at Dene Magna and ran by Alan Beard, the school games organiser for the Forest of Dean. Alan is based at Dene Magna School. The three school teams; St Whites, Forest View and Coalway all played amazing football in an attempt to claim their spot in the county games. Proud parents were invited and attended to watch and cheer as their children delivered on the pitch. 

All the matches were closely fought however there could only be one winner. St Whites won two out of two games making them the winners and putting them through to the county games. 

As the games were held at Dene Magna’s site, Alan Beard was very proud to use Year 10 and 11 students from Dene Magna to help referee the three games. Alan commented, “The Dene Magna students did a great job at keeping order on the field of play. These fixtures were rearranged from October as we had to cancel back then due to the weather. Congratulations to St Whites on their victory and I wish them well in the upcoming tournament.”

Should St Whites progress as champions of the county cup then they will qualify for regional rounds of the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) Danone Nations Cup.

In the past ESFA Danone Nations Cup winners have been presented with the opportunity of a lifetime and gone on to the world finals including trips to Salou, Barcelona and Indonesia, playing football at the highest level for their age. These trips have provided many opportunities for school children to make friends across the world and broaden their understanding of how football works internationally. 

The games are held every year so those not lucky enough to make it this year should not be disheartened as there is always next year.