Footie festival is huge success

Jul 1 2009 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday

AN AMAZING 45 teams bringing together more than 600 children recently took part in Cowie’s fourth annual football festival.

Organised by the committee, parents, coaches and supporters of Cowie United the festival was held over two days, with teams playing from Under-8 up to Under-12 level and coming from all across the surrounding area including Stirling and Dunblane, Clackmannanshire and Stenhousemuir.

Involving both boys and girls Cowie came out top in the Under-9 and Under-12 categories.

All those taking part received a medal as a memento of their weekend and team coaches were also rewarded with a Friendship in Sport Trophy for taking part.

Former Rangers player and current Pro-Youth Coach for the Ibrox team, Andy Kennedy, was one of the star guests presenting medals and said: “It filled me with pride to see so much football at grassroots level.”

As well as the football itself the festival also kept the crowds happy with a range of sideshows including a bouncy castle, bungee run, face painting and stalls.

One of the event organisers, Clare Stevenson, said: “To bring 45 teams and over 600 children - along with their coaches, families and supporters - to Cowie for a two day event is a massive achievement.

“Everyone who helped over the weekend should be extremely proud of their contribution”.

Cowie United’s season recently came to an end with a series of days out for members and the end of season dance, attended by former Celtic, Motherwell and Chelsea player Tom Boyd.

This event saw Cowie bid farewell to one of their founder members, goalkeeper Mark Gordon, who has been selected to play Pro-Youth with Stenhousemuir FC Under-11s next season.

Cowie’s Alan Stevenson said: “Mark has been in the team since 2004 when the boys started kicking a ball around the community centre.

“We have watched Mark develop into a talented goalkeeper this season and he is a credit to the club.

“He will be missed by everyone in the team and we wish him all the best and future success.”

He will be joined on the next stage of his sporting journey by Under-12s Alistair Petrie.

More information on the team is available on 01786 815835.