Tournament and Festival of Football 2009.

Whilst preparation for this years tournament began in October/November 08, the hard physical preparation began the week prior with removal of the main goals and marking out of the pitches. Friday evening (1st May) the goals were put in place and main tents setup, along with other preparations in the tea-hut.

Saturdays setup began at 07:15, with setting up of the gate, registration areas, tea-hut and other attractions. First kick off for the Under 8’s was at 09:00, first teams arrived at 08:15. Around 09:00 we had an unwelcome visitor in a loose dog that was running around the field. Twice he was caught and expelled, but still he returned on his own through the gate. Finally his owner was located and he was taken home.
3TRFM sent a riving reporter (Tom Smith) to do some live broadcasts and record some material with the young Highbury players. All those interviewed did a great job and were a credit to the club. Watch this space for downloadable interviews by our players.

The weather, which is vital to these events was on our side all the way on Saturday and by looking at the players faces, they all enjoyed themselves. Sundays weather in the most part was great, a small bit of rain in the morning when we were setting up, but by the time our visitors were arriving, the sun was out (even if it was a little bit windy at times).
All players in the younger age groups (Under 7’s and 8’s) won a medal for attending, the winners and runners up for the elder age groups (Under 9’s to the Under 12’s) all won trophies. There were also special trophies for the winners of the Penalty Shoot-out competition and also the referees chose the team in each age group that they thought deserved the Warminster Highbury Fair Play trophy.

The Raffle was drawn on Sunday afternoon with winners details shown below.

Unfortunately during the Sunday afternoon one of the Westfield players required both Paramedic then subsequently an ambulance due to an accident in one of their games. Whilst the event was extremely unfortunate, it was a credit to the tournament and club in general, that all of the preparation work done in case there was a real world emergencxy paid off (New First Aid supplies, Welfare Officer on hand, external road control and emergency vehicle access).

And Finally, three very large “thank you’s” from the tournament organisers Bill, Mike and Baz to the following;

Helpers - A number of helpers worked tirelessly both days to ensure that the tournament ran smoothly and without problem. You all know who you are and without you we could not run the event. You deserve a major thank you and we hope you will be able to help next year also!

Visitors & Supporters - Everyone that came through the gate to watch, support or just join in. You provided the revenue to support the club. The club is 100% voluntary and we thank you for your support.

Sponsors - A number of local business’s sponsored various sections of our event including Raffle, Tombola, Attractions and Services. Thanks for adding value to the event and making it more enjoyable for both our players and supporters. Also special thanks to Kingdown school for use of their car parking facilities.

Local Residents - With the Public Address system being turned on at 08:45 both days along with the numerous visitors that the tournament attracts (combined with the very limited parking available) we appreciate the inconvenience that you may have had over the two days. We thank you for putting up with our two day event again and hope that you were not inconvenienced at all. If you have any discussion issues you would like raised, please contact one of the tournament organisers (See About us page for contact details).

Finally, enough of the blurb, here are some photos of our outstandingly successful event over the 2 days.

Laura, Matthew and Ronan try out the Face Painting and Hairspray stall

Tom from 3TRFM interviews tournament organiser Bill Tyson

Our small friendy tournament as viewed from the top corner

Another view as play gets under way

Highburys Under 12's warming up

Under 12's winners getting trophys from Highbury Chairman - Chris Finch

Battling on the Gladiators attraction

Some of the many medals given out over the 2 days

The Under 7's wait patiently for their medals for taking part

JP in the Highbury Under 9's on the ball

Coach Bill with the Highbury Under 7's - Say Cheeeese!

Penalty Shoot-out Competition

Luke in the Highbury Under 9 'A' Team as they win their Semi-Final

Highbury Under 9 'A' Team, Runners up to Frome Collegians in the hard fought final

Paramedic and Ambulance on site to aid player who chipped bone during play

Matthew takes a well earned rest after helping each day from 07:30

So, the event is over, the ground still looks great even after the trampling it had. , We had a great tournament and hope that you enjoyed it as much as we did





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

£100	T Brown	3776
£50 Morrisons Vouchers	P Nicholson	1508
Longleat Passports	Brad Small	4185
Family ticket to Bowood House	S Collinson	2733
"The Beauty Studio" Voucher #1	Firth	1346
"The Beauty Studio" Voucher #2	Jackie O'Neil	2407
"The Beauty Studio" Voucher #2	R Marmont	3107
"Just Beauty" Voucher	Maxine Ayliffe	2186
"Town Fryer" Meal for 4 voucher	V Gibbens	2348

DE Photo provided coverage of the Highbury and Warminster FC Tournament 2009.
When we have details of the photos, I will publish here.


And finally, some feedback already received from those that attended

Gareth ( Graig Utd U11 ) Newport

Thanks for a great day at your festival , had some great football, against some top teams. All our boys enjoyed every game in a friendly environment and were all made to feel very welcome which is a nice change to some of the tournaments we enter. Thanks again from all at Graig Utd hope to be invited again

Andy Buller - Devizes Town U9 manager

Just a quick note to say thanks for a good day yesterday, all my boys had a great time.

Daren Metcalf - Westbury Youth B. Under 8s

Just a quick email to say thank you for a wonderful tournament today. Well done to you and all your helpers for making the day very enjoyable.

Justin Paget Frome Town Sports Under 7 Manager

Just like to say a big thank you for the great time our under 7s had at this years tournament. Again well organised as other years.

Dave Starr Westbury Under 10's (A, B & C)

Just thought I'd drop you a line to say how much we enjoyed the Highbury tournament at the weekend, I was really glad I decided to bring three sides over. I think it was the best run Highbury Tournament I've been to so please pass on my thanks.

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.