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Youngsters score big at Football Festival

Teams from right across the Scottish Borders converged on the Netherdale pitches in Galashiels for the 18th Scottish Borders Junior Football Association (SBJFA) and Live Borders Football Festival on Sunday.

Participants were treated to glorious weather conditions for the annual Festival, which is one of biggest football participation events in Scotland, with close to 1500 children taking part over 154 teams with players ranging from age five to thirteen.

Live Borders Chief Executive, Ewan Jackson commented:

“The event continues to go from strength to strength, and the Festival plays a key role in encouraging primary school pupils to play and enjoy football.  It was really rewarding to see so many young people engaging in competitive sport.

“The SBJFA Football Festival is a fabulous showcase of football at all levels, from playing for fun for the six-year-old to the 9v9 matches for the 12’s age group.

“It takes our team months of hard work to organise the event and the Live Borders and wider team need to be commended. It’s a perfect fit with our vision to help make our communities healthier, happier and stronger.”

Scottish FA Development Officer and Live Borders team member Drew Kelly thanked Scottish Borders Council who supported the event and made a special recognition to everyone who made the day the success it was.

Drew Kelly commented:

“I’d like to recognise the great work done by the Scottish Borders Junior Football Association, the Football Clubs, coaches, volunteers, parents and of course the young footballers throughout the Scottish Borders.

“The Festival’s success is always down to the commitment and support they give football development in the area.

“The Festival continues to grow from year to year and the number of girls teams participating in the SWF Girls Festival had a record number of teams participating from the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian.” 

CLICK HERE to see the photo gallery of the Festival of Football.