The inaugural Big Kick Off football tournament launched with flair and excitement at John Cabot Academy, bringing together young athletes from across the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) for a dynamic five-a-side competition that celebrated sportsmanship, teamwork, and skill.
Organised and delivered by CLF Post-16 students as part of their academic coursework, the event showcased not only sporting talent but also student leadership, event management, and collaboration.
The tournament featured two main competitions: a one for primary school teams and the other for secondary schools.
Adding to the thrill of the event, Ephraim Yeboah, professional footballer with Bristol City FC, made a special appearance to support the event and inspire the next generation of players with his words of encouragement and presence on the day.
As a former Summerhill Academy pupil, Ephraim’s encouragement would have been especially powerful for the young players from around the CLF.
Once the action got underway, the pitch came alive with energy as mixed teams of boys and girls from Frome Vale Academy, Summerhill Academy, and Minerva Academy competed with enthusiasm and spirit.
After a series of closely-fought matches, Minerva Academy emerged victorious in a nail-biting final, defeating Summerhill Academy with a score of 1-0.
The afternoon session featured teams from John Cabot Academy, Hanham Woods Academy, Bristol Brunel Academy, and King’s Oak Academy in an intense battle for the secondary title. It was Hanham Woods Academy who clinched the championship, with John Cabot Academy finishing runners up in a round robin format.
In line with the CLF’s core HEART values (High Expectations, Equity, All Children, Resilience and Togetherness), a special HEART Award was presented to the schools that best demonstrated fair play, sportsmanship, and camaraderie throughout the day. The award was proudly received by Frome Vale Academy (primary) and Bristol Brunel Academy (secondary).
Martin Horsell, PE teacher at John Cabot Academy, said: “It was fantastic to see so many young people coming together and showing such passion and respect both on and off the pitch.
“The atmosphere was brilliant and the students who organised the event did an outstanding job. This is what sport is all about – community, challenge, and celebration.”
