Powys border town hosts successful junior football event

And two teams from the border town played in an under-10s junior football tournament last month, one which welcomed other junior sides from Powys.

Knighton A and B juniors played against Berriew and Berriew Girls, as well as visiting Welshpool, on Saturday, November 20, with all teams members of the Mid & North Powys Junior Football League.

The tournament was held at Knighton Town Football Club’s Bryn-y-Castell home ground, with plenty of skill on show.

“Festivals are held at different locations throughout the season, but the last 18 months have been severely affected by Covid,” said junior club secretary Ellen Roberts.

Action from the junior football festival held in Knighton.

“Knighton Juniors hosted and organised this one. Gaynor Butler, of Costcutters, donated towards refreshments and drinks. We had a raffle, with money raised on the day going towards Knighton Junior Football Club, to buy new equipment to help the players improve their skills.

“Andy Price and Gary Cooper were Knighton’s coaches and said the players all played well. It was nice to see the kids playing after the pandemic put a stop to it all.

“We would like to say thanks to all teams that entered and to everyone for watching and supporting the event.”

Knighton had hosted an under-8s tournament earlier this year, the October festival the latest one to be staged in Powys following a successful event held in Llanidloes in September.

The festivals have been well supported by clubs, coaches and players and have been a welcome return to the pitch for all after almost two years of no football due to the ongoing global pandemic which has heavily impacted sport in most countries.

With the easing of restrictions across Wales the return of junior football festivals have been warmly welcomed.

Action from the junior football festival held in Knighton.

The U8s tournament included teams from Knighton, Llanidloes Town, Llanfair United, Welshpool Town, Rhayader Town and Newtown who all sent sides to east Radnorshire.

The festivals are held on a non-competitive basis but all the players relish another chance to lace up their boots and represent their home clubs against their rivals.

Knighton Juniors have been going from strength to strength since getting back on the pitch following the easing of restrictions. In May this year, Knighton U7s were celebrating after finally playing in their first ever tournament – nine months after they first formed.

The U7's team was created in September 2020, but they had never played a competitive fixture together before the country went into a series of Covid-19 lockdowns.

However, they overcame their lack of match practice to finish third at their debut event, held at Ludlow's Community Stadium, on Friday, May 28.

The team saw off competition from Telford, Leominster and Ludlow to earn their bronze finish.

Teams in the town have faced further logistical nightmares due to Knighton’s proximity to England –being situated right on the Wales/England border. Children's outdoor activities have been legal in Wales since March 27, and organised sports tournaments legal in England since May 17, but event organisers have also faced logistical difficulties due to travel arrangements and capacity numbers.