The Lads and Dads headed to the East coast at weekend to take part in the Festival of Football tournament held at Butlins.

The format was football in the morning and the chill out in the afternoon evening and night time....................

The boys played really well winning all 3 games and not conceding a goal, but knew their toughest game was against a previous unbeaten team from Newcastle.

All the games were played in great spirit with exchange of friendship medals before each match, unfortunately the boys lost their final game 3-0.

The team were asked whether they wanted to play a friendly or go back to Butlins for a swim, spokesmen elected votes counted decision made - back to Butlins to pick up the speedos (don't mention the speedos one dad said, still having flashbacks from the previous days).

The boys had a fantastic time playing pool, go-karts, swimming and lots of cold refreshments, the children - not sure what they did ?

Thanks to everyone for playing their part in making in what was a memorable experience for everyone,

Big thanks to the Butlins red coats, Festival of football, Catering staff and finally special mention to the refs.

Congratulations to all involved who made a great impression on their competitors - the following email being received by the club:

I  would just like to give credit to your U11s who went to Butlins this weekend just gone. Your Manager and his assistants, kids and the parents were a great credit to your club, both sets of parents made it an enjoyable atmosphere while the boys were playing football and having fun, and both managers joking with every decision and not falling out. Again pass this on to those managers, players and parents. - Leigh Knightly Brampton Rovers AFC.

The weather was dry, there was a slight nip in the air and the occasional burst of bright sunshine.  Perfect for a cup final!

Having arrived in style in the Team coach, the atmosphere was nervous as the boys prepared for the biggest game of their season.  Then came ‘the’ news, with both teams wearing white shirts, a toss up would have to be made and Cadley lost.  Not having any other option of shirt, the boys were forced into kindly loaned shirts by Euxton Villa.  You may think that this wasn’t a problem, but to some, it was pretty devastating.  Why?  the shirts were orange…. enough said.

After parading in front of the impressive Clubhouse, anxious families clapped both teams onto the pitch.  The boys took up their line, wished Bamber Bridge good luck and the game began.

It was pretty much end to end stuff, with both teams showing some great skill.  The ball seemed to stay much in the centre of the pitch as the game played out the first twenty minutes although the downhill slope of the pitch resulted in several over hit moves.  The enthusiasm of both teams showed the game could go either way.  Half time.

Second half and after a brief half time talk, both teams came out with the fight to get that all important goal.  Cadley pushed hard as the introduction of Smith proved a decent one.  Cadley had a few chances, which again showed the way in which their season had unfolded.  Then an impressive over head kick by Smith saw the ball in the back of the net.  A roar from the sidelines, just what the boys needed 1-0.  The game picked up momentum as the boys fought hard for a second with many chances again just being short of the back of the net.  Bamber Bridge attacked hard, showing Cadley that they too wished to get the ball in the net.  As the final few minutes played out, Bamber Bridge pressured a tiring Cadley resulting in them having to defend like never before.  A scare for Cadley saw a sneaky placed Bamber Bridge player take the chance, the ball hit the post and in to the safe hands of Baron.  A kick out saw the ball again come back into the box, again to see Baron make an inspiring confident save.  Ooohs and aaahs came from the sidelines as the last few minutes went by in slow motion.  The whistle blew and Cadley had done it.  A great end to what had been a tough frustrating season for the lads.

My MOTM – Burrows – kept strong in defence from start to finish, but congratulations to the lads who all played well and never gave up.

A special (parental) mention to Baron, who never stopped directing the lads from his goal mouth and pulled off two amazing saves in the dying minutes – keep it up, your confidence was amazing!

Well done Bamber Bridge , your fight to score put pressure on Cadley, a true advert to junior football – good luck for next season.