The top of the Blackpool Tower is usually reserved for the rhinestone encrusted foxtrotters from Strictly Come Dancing, but last Friday it played host to a very different event – an under-7s FA football festival.
Using the hashtag #TowerFootball to promote the event, Lancashire FA working with Poulton & District Primary League, ran the first ever mini-football festival to be played within the historic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Lancashire FC chief operating officer, Roger De Nobrega said: “With such a splendid venue we thought it was a great idea to introduce football to children who are just starting out in their football careers and give them an experience they will never forget.”
Ingeniously using the FA Respect Inflatable Pitch and FA approved futsals to ensure no disco balls were under threat from a wayward shot, the organisers hosted 18 grassroots teams from Blackpool and Fylde.
The six to seven-year-olds taking part could demonstrate a different kind of footwork on the famous parquet dancefloor as their parents watched from the gallery above (or should I say stands on this occasion?)
And who’d have believed that the official photographer would be called Stanley Matthews? Not quite the Wizard of Dribble, but he was certainly pretty keen with his camera, documenting the event in all its glamour as you can see below…
Although none of the Strictly judges were there for comment, we’re assured by the organisers that the event scored a perfect 40, with many beaming smiles to be seen from the kids and parents alike
And with any luck the day would have achieved its aim to inspire the players to keeeeeeeeep playing! (Sorry).
Keep an eye out for similar events in the future by signing up to the England Supporters Club
here.
