Local kids warm up for big kick off

Around a hundred schoolchildren competed in a football tournament at Longford Park organised by community volunteers Jim Sweeney and John Robinson who have dedicated more than 20 years helping children to take part in local sport where they live.

Short Football helps to develop both technical skills and fair play - and players are deducted points for foul play.
 
Three age groups took part between the ages of four and 11 and players each received a gold medal memento.

Jim Sweeney 54 from the Longford area has trained around 3000 people in short football. He said: "It was a great way to get warmed up for Olympic matches. We appreciate all of the support we get." 

Cllrs George Duggins, Linda Bigham and Lindsley Harvard - Longford Ward councillors were quick to praise Jim. "As councillors we are amazed at the way local people dedicate so much of their time to make a difference to local people. Jim is a credit to the local community and has been supporting the development of grass roots football in Longford for many years.

The event was supported with a community games fund to encourage Coventry community, voluntary and charity groups to join in the celebration of London 2012.

Launched by Coventry City Council in joint support with The Heart of England Community Foundation, the fund is a grants programme aiming to help local communities celebrate London 2012 at grass roots level.

The event was awarded £1,500 of funding.

Local youngsters have recently played short football at the Ricoh Arena. The four-a-side game is played within a small lightweight arena which can be transported in the boot of a car and set up in any local park.