Ben Fletcher, who joined the Ross Juniors' Easter Tour as a supporter, ended up playing for the under 8s all weekend and was presented with a signed Swindon shirt for his outstanding efforts.
Last Friday evening, March 9th, 103 players, parents and supporters of Ross Juniors Under 8s, 9s and 10s went on their annual Easter tour to PGL's newest centre at Liddington in Wiltshire.
The boys were understandably in high spirits on their arrival as the venue hosts 16 football pitches and acts as high flying League 1 team Swindon Town's training ground.
After an evening meal the under 8s and two under 9 teams played local Swindon side Croft Juniors. The boys performed admirably on the excellent pitches and won two of the three games. The opponents, who are highly regarded, commented on the boys' spirit and fair play.
Saturday was the main day of the tour as the boys got to play against several of Swindon Town's academy sides in a morning of football. Again the boys acquitted themselves fantastically and won several of the games against boys who were training and contracted to a professional football club.
The Swindon coaches were very impressed with Ross' level of performance and organisation. After the football was finished they presented a signed Swindon shirt to Ben Fletcher, one of the outstanding players of the tournament. Ben and Alexander Springer had both come along to support the boys but ended up playing the whole weekend for the under 8s and scorings several goals between them.
In the afternoon the boys and their families were given an all-access tour of the County Ground by Swindon's coaching staff and got to see Sky TV set up for a forthcoming live football game.
On return to the PGL centre the boys were then given a football 'masterclass' by their dads who played against the PGL staff in a friendly match. However the PGL team won 6-3 and the dads were in a sorry state the next day and are unlikely to play football ever again!
On Sunday morning the boys and their parents took part in many exciting PGL activities such as canoeing, zip wire, abseiling and giant swing. These worked fantastically well as team building exercises and were highlights of an action packed weekend.
There was more football on Sunday afternoon against two local sides before the tour was wrapped up with an awards ceremony for the boys.
Ross Juniors are very grateful to Swindon Town and PGL for all their support and help. Each year the club tours like this help the club to progress and develop a sense of community. As the club grows it can offer more football opportunities in Ross.
Over 100 items of club branded clothing was sold, a new kit sponsor was found and the club have been invited back to play Swindon Town more regularly.