Tournament and Festival of Football 2008.

The organisation and preparation for this years tournament began in earnest in December 2007. There is a vast amount of preparatory work needed to host an event like this, including arranging sponsors, Invitation letters to other teams, registration with Wiltshire FA, designing the programme, chasing payments from visiting teams, buying trophys, medals, food supplies, arranging staff to fulfill the various roles and booking the weather.
I think we can be fairly honest in promoting the fact that all of these tasks went to plan with the small exception of one (And if you were there on Sunday from around 14:00 you'll know what we mean).

On both days, the first teams were due to kick off at 09:30, meaning that the tournament staff were onsite from around 07:30 sorting out tents, warming up the tea boiler, frantically phoning the referees etc etc. The first visitors arrived about 08:15 (a good 30 minutes before the gate was set up!).

Saturday, as visitors start to come along

Play gets underway for the Under 12's

Lots of visitors and a great atmosphere.

Ellie from 3TRFM presented our trophys to the Under 12 Winners

All the teams from the Under 8's waiting patiently for their medals.

Highburys Under 8's pose with such dignity and poise.

And so Saturday came and went.  We hosted 36 teams over 3 age groups, had no major incidents (apart from a minor referee crisis, which was overcome by our very own Chaieman, Chris Finch stepping in at the last minute to referee for the day). 

Sunday, however was a different day altogether.  The day started as before (with the exception that we had a full compliment of referees).  The Under 7's enjoyed the best of the weather with most of their game time in the dry.  However, it soon became apparent looking skywards, that we were in for some rain and the first tranch came during the Under 7's presentation. The umbrellas were up, but the initial rain did not dampen spirits or really affect the games being played. 

At midday, the Under 9's kicked off.  To present the Under 9's trophys and also draw the raffle, we had arranged for Warminster's Paranormal Investigation Team (UK5 Paranormal) to help out.  UK5 Paranormal have recently recorded a television programme, which will be showing in the very near future and we were very honoured to have them present trophys and draw the raffle.

However...  They bought with them an almost biblical downpour, including thunder and lightning.  Everyone huddled under the tents, umbrellas were more prevelent than children playing football.  This was a shame, as most of the teams that had not won awards / trophys went early.  Ray and the team from UK5 Paranormal presented to trophys and drew the raffle, for which we thank them very much.

By now however, the pitch was waterlogged and cutting up badly, a re-jig of the games for the last age group (Under 11's) due to some late cancellations led to 2 pitches being used for all their games and the main pitch being kept as clear as it could for the final.

And so came the rain.

Andy briefs his Under 9's prior to their next game

Chris proudly shows off his colours

Baz and the UK5 Paranormal team in a gap between the downpours

Day after the tournament, the state of the ground is quite clear.

So, the event is over, the ground will need a week or so to get itself back together, but we had a great tournament and hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did in preparing it for you.

The following is a list of winners of the raffle prizes,

£100	Collected	White : 3995
Mercedes Watch	Collected	White: 2758
Centre Parcs Pass	Collected	White: 4492
Signed Premiership Foootball	Collected	White: 0682
Beauty Voucher	Collected	White: 199
FA Cup Final Tickets	Collected	Orange: 114 Orange: 114
Limited David Beckham Print	Collected	Orange: 61
Limited David Beckham Print	Collected	Orange: 33
Limited David Beckham Print	Collected	Orange: 16
Limited David Beckham Print	Collected	Orange: 72
LLimited David Beckham Print	Collected	Orange: 60
LLimited David Beckham Print	Collected	Orange: 38
Limited David Beckham Print	Collected	Orange: 201

DE Photo provided coverage of the Highbury and Warminster FC Tournament 2008 last weekend.
The photos from the Tournament are now available for your teams to view online, to find the images simply click on the hyperlink below and this will take you directly to the appropriate folders. DE-Photos Highbury Tournament Photo Collection
We hope you enjoy browsing them. In addition to the three sizes of print, blends, triples, magazine covers, key rings, fridge magnets available on the day, they can also buy three sizes of poster (which can be laminated) and a range of new products including mousemats, mugs, jigsaws, bags, canvas prints and even oil paintings, so there are loads of ideas for family gifts.
Also, if preferred, products can be ordered by telephone on 01342 894519, you will need the photograph numbers, event name, and payment details to hand. John Hinks
DE Photo

Tel: 020 8938 4665
Mob: 0785 065 4098
email : john.h@dephoto.co.uk
www.DEphoto.co.uk


And finally, some feedback already received from those that attended

John Hinks - DEPhotos

excellent organisation throughout.
the program was excellent - actually the most professionally produced football club program I've seen at any tournament!
Thanks for inviting us, it was a pleasure being there, I hope you’ll consider us for next year too.

Mark - Manager

Just a quick note to thank you and your football club for a really great tournament. Both parents and children alike thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The standard of football was very good and it made a refreshing change to play against teams we don't normally come across.

Jamie Malley - Frome Town U7's Manager

I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you and all at Warminster Highbury for an excellent tournament. We had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves

Paul Bryant - Manager

Hi, Paul Bryant here from Westbury Youth Under 7`s & U14`s. I had a last minute call from one of your organisers asking if I would enter a team for the Under 7`s due to low numbers. I obliged to help out and really glad I did as I thought the organisation and running on the day was first class. Both teams I entered enjoyed their first experience of tournaments and two I know of even slept with their medals. The referee we had on the first pitch nearest the road was great with the kids too which is nice to see and should be acknowledged. I will definately be coming back with a couple teams next year and hopefully the weather will be kind to you throuout both days. Again well done to all involved in what was a great day.

Scouse on the Microphone

There's a couple of attractive ladies with some lovely looking buns! (Refferring to the beefburgers they were holding at the time - Yeah Right!)

On behalf of Warminster Highbury Youth FC, we would like to thank all those that attended and supported our annual tournament and hope that you had an memorable time and enjoyed the event.