National 5-a-side Football Championships

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA) were delighted to deliver the National 5-a-side Football Championships at Glasgow Green once again.

An entry of 45 teams from all over Scotland arrived at Glasgow Green to participate in the SDS/ SFA National Championships to determine which team can claim bragging rights for the 5-a-side format for the year ahead.

Gary McDonald of the SFA organised the programme for the event and it was heartening to see 6 sections represented on the day. The combining of A Class and B Class players in the Premier Division has allowed teams a much more competitive environment and accommodates teams that would otherwise not play many matches.

History was made as a Glenrothes Strollers were victorious in the Premiership section – the first time ever a team from Fife has won the Premiership section. It couldn’t have been closer, though, as Glasgow Firhill and Highland finished on the same points which left goal difference to decide the winners.

It proved to be a very successful tournament, once again, for teams from the West of Scotland, with 7 further medallists from the region in all section which further demonstrates the strength of the clubs and players in this area. Claremont Colts finished ahead of Blantyre Gold in the Championships whilst an all Dumfries & Galloway final ensured half the bus would be happy on the way home. A silver medal in the Junior B section was added to their collection too.  Dumbarton Riverside claimed the League 2 title whilst Lothian performed well in the Junior sections with Cedarbank finishing runners up in the A section and Woodlands claimed victory in the B section. Carrongrange from Forth Valley were the final titlist taking the A division gold position wich an assured performance.

Scottish Disability Sport and the Scottish Football Association are grateful for the input of Brian Martin for providing officials, and to City of Glasgow College students for their unstinting support throughout the day.

The next football national event will take place at Toryglen in September.

Photo: Glenrothes Strollers – Premiership Winners