With the Euro 2004 football championship just around the corner, Barringtons health club in Vale do Lobo has been busy helping the youth of today become the football stars of tomorrow. The club staged a football festival on its world class grass football pitch over the Easter holidays and, with over 300 children participating over the three weeks, it was hailed as a great success.
Barringtons qualified FA coach, Brian Rogers, supervised four coaching sessions a week and organised a competition to round off the festival. Teams were split into two age groups – over six and under six. Team A won the over-six trophy, after a thrilling 10 goals to nine game – the winning goal was scored with the last kick of the game by Joseph Woodlow. Team C won the under six’s competition and the main star of the competition was Ryan Griffiths, who scored three wonderful goals. Trophies were awarded to the best players in each category. The winners were:
Cat A: Aaron Carrington
Cat B: Ryan Griffiths
Cat C: Joseph Woodlow
Joseph Woodow’s mother, Stephanie, commented after the game: “It’s fantastic to watch the children in action in a competitive environment. It’s great that they can get involved in physical activity at their level. To watch my eldest son, Joseph, score the winning goal was such a thrill. I think I can speak on behalf of all the parents and say that we have had a fantastic day and look forward to more of them in the future.”
Barringtons also offered a fun package over the school Easter holiday, which included splash sessions in the pool, junior gym, combat classes and junior golf training, all of which were also very well supported.
The soccer training and many other children’s activities are available to non-members as well as members’ children of all ages. Activities take place every Saturday from 10.30am to midday. There are two coaches on hand at all times, at a cost of just seven euros per session.
• For more information about Barringtons’ children’s activities during both term time and the summer holidays, please contact Luke Pierce on 289 351 940.
