On Monday 6th August 2007, Puddletown Mini Soccer Club (Under 10's) travelled to take part in the first National Charter Standard Club Festival in London. Following nominations made by Dorset Charter Standard Mini Soccer Clubs, Puddletown proudly took their place at the Festival.
Puddletown Predators Under 10s Mini Soccer team set off for London at 0600 aboard a packed coach of players and spectators. It seemed as if the whole village was going to Wembley! On arrival the team played in a tournament outside the stadium comprising of teams representing every County in the Country. It was so well organised by McDonalds, in partnership with The Football Foundation, with over 800 children playing 3 games apiece. As a coach I was very proud of their performances, they represented Dorset County FA extremely well. Between games the team received professional coaching sessions from people such as Eric Harrison, former Youth Team Coach at Manchester United. After the tournament came the best bit – entering Wembley stadium!
As the spectators took their seats in the stands, the players went through the tunnel and out onto the pitch. Their faces as they came out of the tunnel were a picture; as their eyes widened to the iconic new stadium around them. Once in the stadium there was a photo shoot with Steve McClaren - England manager.
The team got to play a match on the hallowed turf and although they lost 1-0, the whole team performed brilliantly in front of thousands of spectators and in such a fantastic atmosphere. The final task for the (now) tired players was to walk up the famous steps to the Royal Box and be presented with their medals, and even though they had previously played three matches there were no problems reaching the summit! They were now doing something they had only have dreamt of before. After hand shakes with Sir Trevor Brooking it was time to get back on the bus for the long and very quiet drive home.
The team would like to thank all those who chose them to represent the County at such a brilliant event.
-Report by Dean Smith (Coach)
Players comments of their experience included:
"I cant believe that I played at Wembley. I had an excellent day and I couldn't have had a better one.”
"It was a really good opportunity for all of us, I really enjoyed it and will be a day I will never forget."
"As I walked out of the tunnel I felt very proud, we played against some hard opponents. My favourite bit was playing at Wembley.”