School programme gives youngsters the chance to shine

It also emphasised the importance of the role the Active Schools programme plays in encouraging youngsters to participate in organised sport.

Amid the glory, as Cedarbank won the S1-2 tournament while Woodlands triumphed in the S3-4 section, there was plenty of skill and endeavour on show from all 120 players in 18 teams from 11 schools in Edinburgh, Midlothian, and East and West Lothian.

The football itself, played on a five-a-side artificial surface, swung from end to end and was entertaining in a way that fully able-bodied participants can rarely achieve. Those who are coached incessantly and processed through repetitive routines have the opportunity to rely much less often on their natural instincts, and there was a freedom and openness to the games.

Tournament organiser Mark Gaffney, part of the Active Schools network across the Lothians, praised the good nature of the players and highlighted the benefits such events can offer children with a disability.

"There was such a positive atmosphere," said Mr Gaffney. "By its nature, the tournament was very inclusive, and everybody has respect for other people. It was great to see such great team spirit and positivity.

"The teams are coached and taught the values of the teamwork element of the game, including how to use the ball as a team and not individually.

"The regional events on the Active Schools calendar for those with additional support needs are crucial not only to the pupil's physical and mental development but can also significantly contribute to their social development, too.

"They have the opportunity to mix with kids from all over the Lothians and can increase their experience of participating in a broad and varied range of sport and activities in a structured and enjoyable environment." The highlight of the day for those behind the event was the exemplary attitude shown by the competing children. While Mr Gaffney praised the way participants carried themselves through the initial training session and subsequent round of matches, he was blown away by one of the tournament's talking points.

"For me, the goal celebrations from pupils of Pinewood were absolutely superb," he said. "Overall, the pupils responded magnificently to the occasion and the camaraderie and sportsmanship on display between the different schools was highly impressive considering that many of them only met each other in the morning.

"We will definitely expand and extend the calendar of events again next year to include more activities, more schools and more individuals, which will further help with the Active Schools aim of 'More Children, More Active, More Often'."

The Scottish Football Association teamed up with Active Schools to help stage the event, conducting a training session prior to the tournament and officiating games thereafter. Mr Gaffney sees the relationship between the two bodies as an ever-progressing and successful bond.

"The partnership with the SFA has strengthened over the years," he said. "They run drills and referee matches, supply balls, bibs and cones for training sessions at the schools and organise, with us, a Friday after-school league.

"They do a great job, and I'd like to thank them for all the help they have given us."

The football tournament has grown in stature with the number of participants having doubled from 60 three years ago. Thanks to the Active Schools organisations in Midlothian and Edinburgh, as well as Lothian Disability Sport, children with a disability can regularly experience many sports, participatory and competitive, such as athletics, basketball, swimming and boccia, a Paralympic sport similar to bowls.

ACTIVE Schools are looking for volunteers and coaches to help out with sports training and events. Anyone interested would be offered support and opportunities to gain coaching qualifications in return for their services.