Primary schools teams from across Flintshire and Cheshire compete in the first ever Airbus Community Cup

Teams from ten primary schools from across Flintshire and Cheshire competed  in the first ever “Airbus Community Cup” interschool football tournament for the chance to become match mascots for Airbus UK Broughton Football Club at the last league home game of the season.

Airbus hosted the event on Thursday 23^rd April, with the support and know-how of Welsh Premier League high-flyers Airbus UK Broughton whose home ground is adjacent to the Broughton Plant. The team from St Anthony’s Primary School in Saltney emerged

The team from St Anthony’s Primary School in Saltney emerged victorious and were back at Broughton on the Sunday for their mascot duties.

Airbus is celebrating 75 years of aerospace manufacturing at the Broughton site and this event is one of several activities to mark the occasion. All teams were a mixture of girls and boys.

Kath Hayes, Community Relations Manager said: “We were keen from the outset to hold a fun and inclusive event that both boys and girls could take part in.

“We were keen from the outset to hold a fun and inclusive event that both boys and girls could take part in. 

“We were keen from the outset to hold a fun and inclusive event that both boys and girls could take part in. 

“We realise and appreciate we are very lucky to have such a fantastic facility and a Welsh premier league football club as our very close neighbour in the Airbus UK Broughton Football team, whom have been outstanding in supporting Airbus with holding this tournament. Hopefully the schools and their students had a memorable day and this will become an annual event.”

Lee Starkey, Academy Director at Airbus UK Broughton Football Club said:

“The spirit that all the games were played in and the effort made by all the schools helped make the day a success. There was some excellent football played by all teams throughout the tournament!”

The tournament was a one day event and each school had a mixed squad of four boys and four girls.

All participating school children were presented with a medal by Airbus Head of Broughton Plant Paul McKinlay and Airbus UK Broughton first team player Glenn Rule as well as a free ticket to attend the last Airbus UK Broughton FC home game.

After netting the most goals in the early legs, the final involved St Oswald’s Primary school versus St Anthony’s Primary School, which ended in a draw 2-2.  St Anthony’s eventually won the game 3-0 on penalties.

Mrs Julia Torgersen, teacher at St Anthony’s School, said:

“It was a very well organised event and even the weather was kind to us!  Our school won after a thrilling final which went on to extra time and then penalties.  Every child did their best and played with a friendly team spirit and were a credit to our school.

“We would like to thank Airbus for this amazing opportunity, the children really enjoyed themselves.”