Milton view Soccer festival scores congratulations to all

Dear Editor The fifth annual Reamonn Gormley Memorial Soccer Festival, hosted by Blantyre Soccer Academy, took place from June 3 to 5 at Hamilton Palace sports facility and the Jock Stein Centre.

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all at the Academy to thank South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, in particular Andy House and all the team at Hamilton Palace, for all the hard work they have done for us, not only over the weekend but over the past six years as they work tirelessly to ensure the smooth running of our training, match days and any event we hold within the grounds.

I would also like to thank all our fantastic coaches, volunteers and staff, The Provost Eileen Logan, Regen:fx all participating football clubs. A special thanks to all our sponsors and in particular Mcdonalds restaurants and the Scottish Football Association who were the main sponsors of the event for their contributions to this great weekend of football and frivolities. Over 2550 young footballers attended this fantastic community event with a further 5000 people in attendance over the three-day period which was made special with the presence of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Our resident photographers, Youth Football Scotland and our superb New College Lanarkshire students kept the children amused during nonfootballing time to which we hope to raise a considerable sum of money for the ‘Good Child Foundation’ a charity which was very close to Reamonn’s heart.

I personally think the sterling work that is put into running not only this event but by The Academy as a whole is amazing as the volunteer coaches and staff give so much of their time and effort to ensure the smooth running of this successful club with their only reward being the smile on the children’s faces while participating in our national sport. Once again I can only express my sincere gratitude to all involved.

Jimmy Whelan Blantyre Soccer Academy Calder Street Blantyre