ARGYLE'S Football in the Community Trust in Cornwall held the inaugural PONSMERE HOTEL/ HiQ Schools World Cup Tournament at Archbishop Benson school on Tuesday, June 8. The tournament was staged between 14 school teams from across the county.
The schools, part of Cornwall's Fitc schools coaching scheme, had all taken the name of different countries that are participating in this years World Cup tournament in South Africa. The draw for the competition, had been videoed and sent to all the participating schools, who then watched the draw to see which country they were representing and which group they would be playing in.
Just like the real World Cup, the teams then competed in groups with the successful teams going on to play in straight knockout matches from the quarter finals onwards. For those teams that didn't make it out of the group stage, they went into the HiQ Community Shield quarter finals and played through to their own final.
Where matches finished in draws in the knockout stage, penalties were taken to decide the winners.
In the Ponsmere Hotel World Cup Final, Algeria, represented by Mt. Charles school from St. Austell, won 3-0, beating Brazil, who were Bosvigo School from Truro, to win the splendid World Cup trophy.
In the HiQ Community Shield final, Japan, represented by Treloweth School from Camborne, won 1-0, beating Nigeria, who were Portreath school, near Redruth, to win the shield.
All teams in both finals received winners and runners-up medals.
Pete Foxwell, Football Development Officer for Argyle in Cornwall was delighted with the afternoon's event, despite the occasional downpour. He praised all the schools who took part for their enthusiasm and endeavour as they whole heartedly entered into the spirit of the competition. "It was great to see, with all the countries flags flying and the National anthems being played," he said.
Pafc Fitc Trust are especially grateful to Mark Thomas of Archbishop Benson school for his co-operation and for allowing the use of the facilities. Also, a big thank-you to all the schools who travelled from all over the county to make the event happen.
