AROUND 20 schools from across West Fife descended on Pitreavie to take part in the annual St Margaret’s Football Festival recently.

The event, organised by the West Fife Primary Schools Football Association, is a seven-a-side tournament that is one of several organised by the association throughout the school year and saw 25 teams take part.

Most of those were able to play eight matches on the day, which was supported by sports leaders from St Columba’s and Dunfermline high schools, who helped officiate matches.

Individual skills were rewarded, with prizes given for the top tackle, pinpoint pass, super save or goal, while each team picked their own MVP (Most Valuable Player).

Dan Woodcraft, depute headteacher at Benarty Primary, is part of the West Fife Primary Schools Football Association, and said: “It was the final festival of the season and was for pupils in P5, 6 and 7.

“It was a great success and everyone seemed to agree it was a great day. I want to mention Torryburn ‘2’; they didn’t care about the scores, kept together and to see them smile when they came off was a real example of the attitude that we’re looking for.

“Hopefully, one day, some of them will be back as sports leaders to oversee it, and could be the next football stars playing for local clubs.”

On Friday, June 16, an SFA-led festival for pupils in Primary 4-5 will bring the schools’ season to a close, and will also take place at Pitreavie.