Celebrations and Glory at Hillsborough Boys Festival of Football
August 14, 2018
Lagan Valley LeisurePlex was once again the host venue for Hillsborough Boys Junior Football Club’s annual summer Festival of Football event, on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August.
The Hillsborough Boys Committee, along with volunteers and assistance from the Lisburn League Referees, accommodated over 850 boys and girls across 90 teams throughout the two day event. Teams came from all over Northern Ireland to take part including St Oliver Plunkett Football Club, and Don Boscos Football Club, along with local clubs Lisburn Rovers and Lower Maze to name but a few, as well as an appearance from Shelbourne Academy, from Dublin.
Children aged 5 to 11 years old participated in the event, with those aged 8 to 11 years old competing for numerous trophies in 7-a-side and 9-a-side mini tournaments.
In the Grass 9-a-side U12 section, the trophy was awarded to St. Oliver Plunkett with Oliver Plunkett Colts picking up the Shield and the Plate going to Ballynahinch Youth.
First place in the U10 section 7-a-side went to Hillsborough Juniors with Oliver Plunkett taking home the Shield and Hillsborough Colts leaving with the Plate.
Linfield Girls won the U10 7-a-side Development Cup, Hillsborough Jets took him the Development Shield and Hillsborough 2010’s left with the Development Plate
Those under the age of eight participated in a series of non-competitive five-a-side development days to enhance and grow their skills.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter said, “The Festival of Football is a tremendous event and each year requires a vast amount of organisation, hard work and dedication from Hillsborough Boys Junior Football Club, the Committee, volunteers, and all those involved who make the Festival the success it is.
“Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Sports Services Unit strives to encourage residents of all ages, to get active and stay active in their local area. The Festival of Football is a great event that involves Clubs competing against each other, as well as promoting cross community partnerships and relations.
“Year on year, the Festival goes from strength to strength and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and flourish in the years to come”, added Alderman Paul Porter.
Linfield Girls after they won the U10 7-a-side Development Cup at the Hillsborough Boys Festival of Football at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex
Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee, Alderman Paul Porter with St. Oliver Plunkett who took home the trophy in the 9-a-side U12 Final at the Hillsborough Boys Festival of Football at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.
Hillsborough Juniors celebrating their win in the U10 7-a-side match at the Hillsborough Boys Festival of Football at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.