Helensburgh Christian Aid football tournament held

LiveArgyll Active Schools teamed up with Ardencaple FC to hold their annual inter-school tournament on behalf of Helensburgh and District Christian Aid committee.

About 100 pupils from across 10 primary schools met at Hermitage Academy in the hope of winning the Karen Holborn Memorial Trophy.

Arrochar Primary

Cardross Primary

A record crowd of spectators cheered on the youngers, despite the wet weather, as evidenced by some of the photos from the event.

The event had plenty of skill, team spirit and sportsmanship, the organisers said. 

Colgrain Primary

Garelochhead Primary

Martin Caldwell, of Active Schools, said: "The group qualification stages witnessed some excellent and highly competitive matches, with St Joseph’s and Hermitage Primary emerging as semi-final qualifiers from Group A, and Lomond and Garelochhead reaching the semi-finals from Group B.

"Both semi-finals were fairly closely contested and again produced some wonderful flowing football. St Joseph’s finished their match with a 2-0 victory over Garelochhead ensuring they were unbeaten in their three pool matches and semi-final.

About 100 pupils took part

John Logie Baird Primary

"The other semi was a much closer affair with Lomond and Hermitage tied at 0-0 on the final whistle. The match eventually went to penalties and after a valiant effort from Lomond they were beaten by Hermitage.

 "The final saw St Joseph’s and Hermitage Primary face up to each other and although both teams gave everything, on the night it was St Joseph’s who saved their best till last to ease to victory.

Lomond School

Maxi McGuire, player of the tournament

"St Joseph’s Primary were fantastic throughout the tournament and were crowned worthy winners for 2024 receiving the Karen Holborn Memorial Trophy."

The contributions made by local young people towards the annual Christian Aid fund-raising drive in Helensburgh also included a girls' football tournament, a netball competition and a sponsored swim at Helensburgh Leisure Centre.

Rhu Primary

Rosneath Primary

Away from the sporting arena, a performance by the Helensburgh Chamber Orchestra, a street collection, and a fund-raising fayre at Helensburgh Parish Church also contributed to the town's total.

Martin added: "Massive thank you to all the volunteers in the background who helped ensure that the Christian Aid Tournament continues to be such a successful event, providing local school children with a fantastic opportunity to get involved either playing or by supporting, and in doing so helping to raise funds in support of Christian Aid Week. 

Runners up Hermitage Primary

Winners St Joseph's Primary

"Many thanks to Helensburgh Toyota for once again sponsoring the tournament, to Martin O’Brien-Barden for taking the photographs, Andy Black, the results coordinator, and to the men in the middle - referees Charles Livingston, Clive Charters, Karl Johansson and Alan Campbell 0 for ensuring that all matches ran smoothly. 

Ardencaple FC makes their donation to Christian Aid

"Thank you also to all the school staff and coaches who give their time, as well as all the families and friends for their tremendous support.

"Finally, a thank-you to Ardencaple Football Club and Euan Birss for working in close partnership with Active Schools to facilitate the event and making it such a memorable evening for everyone."