2018 football festival fever made Meadows memories
Russia host an £8.8 billion world cup in a few weeks, but a low budget Campbeltown festival could have taught them a few lessons. Last Saturday, The Meadows were freshly mown and transformed into a miniature multi-pitch arena by a dedicated band of helpers, chivvied into action, from 9am, by the 2016 Scottish Football Association volunteer of the year, David Paterson. Writing on Facebook, which will have only been seen by those who use that social media, Paterson wrote: ‘Firstly, and most importantly, thanks to all our children for playing yesterday. ‘As I keep saying, you don’t get these days back but memories are a wonderful thing and Campbeltown and District Juvenile Football Association is delighted with the part it played yesterday. ‘It takes a lot of effort and commitment to host an event like yesterday – the effort by all at CDJFA was wonderful. ‘Thanks to the continued commitment from our coaches not only yesterday but throughout the year. ‘It’s important to remember our coaches are first and foremost, parents – the time they give up to help run football in Campbeltown and Kintyre is second to none. ‘So thanks to the following coaches for giving up their time once again yesterday: 2012s: Allan Reid, Graham Ellis and Jamie Graham; 2011s: Lorne McArthur, Angus Brodie and Andy Gilchrist; 2010s: Stevie Gorman, Stephen Gorman and Robbie Marrison; 2009s: Archie Johnston, Robert Judge and Neil McSporran; 2008s: Alan Glen; 2007s: Douglas Renton and Rhys Blair 2006s: Ralphie Hill; girls section: Rachel MacPhail and Teigan Robertson – who stepped in late in the day to help take the team – really appreciated. ‘Thanks to Robert Todd for taking the girls section on Saturday, ensuring the fixtures ran smoothly and refereeing. ‘Robert also did a great job of cutting the pitches with Iain McMurchy who measured and lined all 15 pitches. I’ve been to a few festivals and I’ve never been to one where every pitch is lined and set out so well. ‘Thanks to Lisa Nicolson, Laura Kennedy and Claire Mitchell for dealing with the registrations yesterday and the enquiries. Thanks also for dealing with the medals and ensuring all the presentations went smoothly. ‘To the CDJFA registration officers who ensured every child was kitted out for yesterday’s festival – Fiona Gillies, Susan Gilchristt, Lorraine Brodie, Lindsay Ronald, Karen Johnston, Michelle Glen, Katy MacNaughton and Leighann Burns. To Rosemary Rennie Todd and everyone who helps keep our changing rooms so clean and tidy! To Norma Grogan, Holly Anderson, Sharon Renton and Mark Davey at the Courier for taking photos and sharing these with CDJFA. ‘If anyone else has photos they can share please do. ‘To our referees who give up their time for free. A number of teams commented on how impressed they were to see us with referees for all the 2005s and 2007s games: 2006/07s – Archie Mitchell, Jimmy Litster, Neil John MacPhail, Paul Grumoli, Alison Ian Mcgeachy and Stewart Campbell; 2008/09s – Peter McCallum, Robert McDonald, Hector Hector Mcmurchy, Bobby Dalziel and Christopher McLellan; 2010s – Robbie Dudley, Billy Gilchrist, Craig Lamont, Graeme Robertson, Matthew Lang and Liam Stacey. Girls’ – Robert Todd, Archie McKellar and Andrew Renton. ‘To the sponsors who raised a magnificent £1155 by sponsoring all 30 goals on the Meadows and the balls. ‘Some sponsors supported more than one age group. Sponsors were as follows: 2007s: N McCormick (Archie Johnston), Craigard House hotel, WESTA – West of Scotland Supporters Club, McFadyens Transport, South Kintyre Sports Council, Councillor John Armour, AM Transport, Campbeltown Courier, Tesco – Campbeltown, A Glen Mechanical Services, Campbeltown Loyal, Ardshiel hotel, Campbeltown Motor Company and Wee Toon Sports. 2005s and the Fun Fours: Dalintober primary school and Early Learning Centre, Serenity Spa, Tavies Taxis, Castlehill Parent Teachers Association, Martine and Keith Craig, Food for Thought, Pollock United Soccer Academy, Highland Fuels, Co-op Campbeltown, Campbell Ramsay Electrical. Balls: Jewson Campbeltown, Active Schools/Live Argyll, Kintyre Enginyre, Allan Russell, The Airport Firefighters. Joanne Arbuckle. ‘Especially Campbeltown Co-Op for donating 300 chilled bottles of water. ‘Thanks to the continued support of the teams from Islay, Arran, Tarbert, Lochgilphead, Oban, Lochnell, Helensburgh, Ardencaple and Dumbarton Riverside. ‘Without your efforts to travel to Campbeltown we wouldn’t have a festival – so thanks to all of you. ‘Finally, to Campbeltown – we have a wonderful community and the spirit of our community was on display at its best.’