Five days before the first FIFA World Cup match in Brazil another special football tournament took place — but this one was in Dulwich, on the grounds of Dulwich College and Dulwich Prep London. The fundraising football festival, in aid of Kinetic Foundation — a charity that helps young people reach their potential through sport — saw 23 five-a-side teams of youngsters from age five to 11 take part in a tournament of three age categories.
Unlike at the World Cup, there were no injuries and no red cards! But there were the inevitable penalties to decide the winners when full and extra time still yielded no winner.
The final of the Reception & Year 1 category was finally won by The Hawks with the very last penalty kick! After a few tears by the losing team, smiles returned everywhere at the medal presentation for all finalists.
Those not competing were able to enjoy a family funfair, organised by the Friends of Herne Hill School, complete with bouncy castles, an obstacle race, a story-ready den, throw the sponge, beat the goalie and face painting. Plenty of yummy fair food including a barbecue, cakes, watermelon, Pimm’s, coffees and ice cream was also available.
Entertainment also came in the form of a live auction of special prizes, including a shirt signed by last season’s Crystal Palace football team and the signed boots of Chelsea FC and Belgian national team star Eden Hazard.
Over 700 people attended the event and helped to raise about £6,000, which will contribute to Kinetic Foundation being able to send three teams to Gothenburg in Sweden to participate at Gothia, the word’s largest youth football tournament.
Feedback was enormously positive with many parents reporting that their children cannot wait for next year’s event. The organisers plan to make this an annual fixture in the Dulwich social family calendar. They wish to thank Dulwich College and Dulwich Prep London for making available their beautiful grounds in Tank Field and The Friends of Herne Hill School, the parent association of Herne Hill School, for their fabulous help with the family fair.
To find out more about Kinetic Foundation visit kinetic-foundation.org.uk