World Cup-themed schools football festival launched to raise money for SARS

SARS football festival launch at Woolpit Primary School. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The event will be held at Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club on June 10, four days before the opening of the main tournament in Russia, and 16 schools will take part.

The schools will compete on a round robin basis with recognition also given to fair play, football skills and overall team performances.

Sue Roots, SARS fundraising officer, said: “We wanted to put on a different type of event in 2018 and we already have a good relationship with several Suffolk schools through our CPR awareness events.

“Therefore, a football festival aimed at school children in World Cup year seemed like an excellent idea.

SARS football festival launch at Woolpit Primary School. Picture: GREGG BROWN

“It is going to be a fun event, which will feature some of the traditional elements of the World Cup, including an opening ceremony, anthems, mascots and trophies.

“There will also be plenty of food and drink and a variety of other activities going on during the day as well as the football.”

The event will have free entry and SARS are hoping for a big turnout from the local community.

Mrs Roots added: “We hope it will raise a lot of money for SARS as we rely on voluntary donations to support our emergency medical work.

“We’ve been delighted with the response of the schools in the area and would like to thank in particular, James Sturgeon of the Bury Schools Partnership and the Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club for their support.”