Six schools competed in the S1/S2 section of the second round of the Disability Sport Fife 7s League and four schools contested the S3-S6 section. These were the highest numbers in eight years organising the event. Special welcomes were extended to first timers Queen Anne HS and Levenmouth Academy.
DSF is indebted to David McArdle from the Scottish FA for continued support of football development in Fife and for his interest and encouragement. DSF is also indebted to Derek Lowe, Area coordinator for the Fife Referees Association for many years of support. Andrew McGachan and Paul Stringer were the referees for the February event. The provision of the excellent Kirkcaldy High School football facilities has been instrumental to the League’s success. Special thanks to Rector, Derek Allan and Principal Teacher of PE, Malcolm Stewart.
Defending champions Lochgelly HS won all their four games in the S1/S2 tournament to top the table with 12 points. Newcomers Queen Anne HS made an impact in their first event with two wins and a one draw to score 9 points. Balwearie HS juniors finished with two wins and two losses to occupy third spot after round two of the junior tournament. Ryan Baird from Lochgelly HS was leading goal scorer with 11 goals.
The S3 – S6 tournament was as always a very close affair. Balwearie HS have won the section for the past five years but they were pushed all the way by surprise package Madras/Bell Baxter who went through the section with three wins from three to top the table. The 3- 1 win over Balwearie HS was the key result. The combined schools team from north east Fife ended the day with 9 points, two ahead of the reigning champions. Lochgelly HS and Woodmill HS share third position. Alex Evans from Balwearie HS and Shakeel Ul Haq from Lochgelly HS were leading goal scorers with four.
The 7s league has come a long way in seven years. Each year a significant number of girls take part in and this year was no exception. Players now turn their attention to the Fife Indoor 5s competition on Thursday 8 March at the Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre as part of the annual Fife Sports Festival supported by Fife Council and Fife Sports and Leisure Trust.
DSF is involved for the third year with the Fife Football Performance Academy. This came about because of Davie Honeyman and Lee Bailey, Scottish FA Football Development Officers with Active Fife. They have always taken a keen interest in the DSF football programme. The Fife Football Performance Academy is inclusive and will help identify players with performance potential who may go forward for consideration for selection for the Scottish FA under 20 national squad.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife