On Wednesday 17th June, eleven Year 3 / 4 girls travelled to Melbourn VC for a 'Girls New to Football' Festival. The event focussed on confidence‑boosting, designed to encourage participation, fun and teamwork rather than competition, with no overall winners or losers and a focus on simply giving football a go!

On arrival, the Swavesey players looked a little anxious; but so did everyone else. Once they realised they weren’t alone, the nerves eased and the excitement began to build. All matches were 7‑a‑side, lasting 8 minutes each way, giving every player plenty of time on the pitch. Swavesey played five matches and one friendly in total. 

•  vs Petersfield: Both teams spent much of the first half chasing the ball in a lively cluster, kicking it away whenever they could. After settling down in the second half, Swavesey spread out, passed better, and were rewarded with a goal to secure a 1–0 win.
• vs Everton Heath: The team showed clear progress, working together more confidently. Their efforts paid off with another 1–0 victory.
•  vs Pendragon: This was their toughest challenge. Pendragon had four 'regular' footballers in their team, but Swavesey refused to be intimidated. They battled hard and were narrowly defeated 2–1, showing real determination.
• vs Thriplow: Another strong performance saw Swavesey win 1–0. More importantly, the team began to truly gel ; defenders supporting the goalkeeper, midfielders pushing forward, and everyone communicating. A team was taking shape...

After a short lunch break, with ever-growing confidence and all the players wanting to go on first, we played Harston & Newton. It was an exciting and very close contest, but Swavesey edged it with a 2–1 win, showing growing confidence and teamwork.

With other fixtures still finishing, Swavesey asked for a friendly against Melbourn. Melbourn’s players had seemed just as nervous earlier in the day, but both teams produced a brilliant, end‑to‑end match. Strong defending at both ends meant it finished 0–0, a fitting result for a fun and spirited game.

Across six matches, the Swavesey girls showed courage, teamwork and huge improvement. They supported each other, learnt quickly, and discovered the joy of playing football together. The festival's aim was fun and the team absolutely delivered on that.

Every player received a certificate for their performance, but there was a special prize for one player from each team who had been nominated by their teacher. This was the 'most valued player' award. Of course, EVERY player is valued in the team, but EVA was nominated for this event. Eva was the goalkeeper for every match apart from the friendly, when she wanted to stretch her legs and come out on the pitch. Throughout the day, on and off of the pitch, Eva was positive and did nothing but encourage the rest of the team. She received a small cup and special certificate. Well done Eva! The whole team agreed it was well deserved.

Some of the comments from the girls during the day:

• It was hot and tiring but great fun!
• I now know I can tackle people without hurting them. I think I'm very good at defending.
• I like playing without boys watching me, as that means I can feel more confident in myself.
• I can kick the ball quite hard. 
• I would like to try and find a girls-only place to play football outside of school. 
• I play with my brother in the garden, but this is more fun!
• It feels really nice when you roll down your socks and take the sweaty shin pads off!
• A lime green GK top isn't great with bugs flying around!

There are now two KS2 pitches available at lunchtime on a rota basis. One will be a 'girls' only and one a 'boys' only. This will hopefully encourage more girls to 'have a go' when it is the turn of their year group.

Thank you to Mrs Kent for accompanying myself and the team.

More photos can be viewed in the photo gallery...

Mrs Turian