7-a-side Primary School Football Tournaments

Emanuel school hosts 7-a-side football tournaments for our local partner primary schools on our school playing fields.

Aims

The aim of the events are to provide a fun-filled afternoon of competitive football for Year 4 boys and girls from our local state primary school partners.

Background

We are in regular communication with our partner schools. Through discussions, we are able to identify where we can collaborate to address a need. 

Our partner schools have little to no access to wide open green playing fields. Few of our partner schools' Year 4 children have the opportunity to compete for their schools in a friendly round-robin tournament. Many of our partner schools are keen to offer more opportunities for sport and struggle given budget cuts in this area.

Resources

Emanuel hosts the events on our playing fields. We worked with Fulham Football Club Foundation (FFCF) staff to run the tournament. We both provide some of the equipment and FFCF staff referee. 

The event is typically three hours in either the morning or afternoon. We have eight primary school teams of 10 to 12 boys and girls competing in a series of round robin matches culminating in a final. There is also a plate competition. 

Emanuel School funds the FFCF staff. We provide heavy snacks for children, staff and parents and a trophy for the winning team. 

Impact

This exciting event provides the opportunity for young people to participate in competitive tournaments. Feedback from participating schools is overwhelmingly positive. 

Pupil Involvement

Emanuel pupils are not involved in this activity. 

Pupils from our partner schools are in Year 4. 90 boys and girls participate in each tournament.

Frequency

We are planning to hold three football tournaments this year - one per term. We will continue to run these in the future.