Last week saw the first secondary schools football indoor festival to be held in Pembrokeshire. Seven of the eight county schools entered both boys and girls teams in this event which was held at Tenby Leisure Centre.

Organised by FAW Pembrokeshire football development officer, Gerry Rigby, and the Pembrokeshire County Council sports development department, the festival was aimed at Year Seven pupils.

The boys have already been involved in a new schools football league this season, but for some of the girls this was their first experience of organised football.

With 21 teams and nearly 50 games during the day, referee Marie Davies and scorer Emma Rowells were kept very busy, and as the final stages drew closer, the excitement levels from the players and supporters built up to 'Premiership' levels.

Throughout the festival, the games teachers were asked to observe the players and decide upon a 'Player of the Festival.' After much deliberation, it was decided that the awards should go to Justin Hardin from Milford and Nicky Furlong from Tenby.

Tenby schoolteacher Mr. Chris Oliver presented the awards to the very worthy winners.

The eventual team winners were: boys - Milford A; girls - Tenby A. Both these teams will now go forward to represent Pembrokeshire in the Welsh finals of the 'Wagon Wheel Football Competition.'

The organisers would like to thank the participating schools who were as follows: STP, two boys teams; Milford, three boys and one girls team; Dewi Sant, two boys and two girls teams; Tenby, three boys and two girls teams; Preseli, one boys team; Fishguard, two boys teams; Taskers, one boys and one girls team.

A mention for Tenby Leisure Centre is also in order for their professional manner and organisation on the day.

Future plans for schools football will include Year Eight and possibly Year Nine pupils, starting after Christmas subject to demand. For further information contact Gerry Rigby on (01437) 776379.