Saturday 8th September 2007 saw Canford Park Arena play host to the Annual FA Charter Standard Mini Soccer Festival.
The aim of the Festival was to thank and reward the Counties Charter Standard Clubs for continuing to provide the standards demanded by The FA Awards.
The Festival catered for Under 8 and Under 9 teams competing in the Mini Soccer League this Season 2007/8.
A total of 16 teams participated in the Festival with the finishing table in each section being as follows:
Under 8
1. Kingwood Youth (Bournemouth)
2. Parkstone Heights
3. Portland United Youth
4. Kingswood Youth (Dorset)
5. Lytchett Red Triangle
6. Broadstone
7. Dorchester Town Magpies
8. Merley Allendale
9. Dorchester Town Stars
Under 9
1. Sherborne Town Youth
2. Lytchett Red Triangle
3. Parkstone Heights
4. Portland United Youth
5. Longfleet Youth
6. Gillingham Town Youth
7. Shaftesbury Rockies
The Festival was the first opportunity for members of the newly launched Referees Academy led by Referee Development Officer – Kevin Pike, to get together and officiate; which they did to the highest standard.
Also in attendance were two of the Counties new FA
(5-11 years) Skills Coaches, who led players and teams through the new FA Skills Challenges.
A great day was had by all, with all players on the day receiving a goody bag from Festival sponsors McDonalds; containing Certificate, posters on fuel/nutrition and top tips to improve their skills.
The event attracted a large supporting crowd, which added to the atmosphere on the day. All at Dorset FA thank everyone for their support and wish their respective teams the best of luck for the forthcoming Season.