SOME of the town’s most promising footballers will be gracing the Valley Stadium turf next week when the Redditch United Schools Cup Final takes place.
The Schools Cup was first organised in 2010 by TRUST (the Redditch United Supporters Club) in liaison with the club and Redditch Sports Partnership and it was intended to further strengthen the club’s links with the community, which Reds chairman and vice-chairman Chris and Sallie Swan have driven on since taking over.
Year eight teams from the middle schools in Redditch play each other in two leagues, with play-offs to decide who goes through to the final at the home of the Reds.
Walkwood won the inaugural final and have won the cup three times, whilst St Bede’s and Ipsley have each won once.
However, this year’s final is between Woodrush, who beat Ridgeway in the semi-finals, and Woodfield, who defeated Walkwood.
Therefore, as Woodfield lost to Ipsley last year and Woodrush were losing finalists in 2011, there will be a new name on the cup.
The match will take place on Monday, November 2 at 6.30pm unless Redditch United require an FA Trophy replay against Evesham United, in which case the men’s game will take precedence and the schools final will be staged the following night with the same kick-off time.
The event has become a popular occasion, well supported by enthusiastic pupils and parents, and the young players really appreciate the venue, use of the first team changing rooms and qualified referees.
The general public are more than welcome to attend and the presentation of the cup, winners/runners-up medals and man of the match award will be made by chairman Chris Swan.
