Pupils, Parents and Staff from Baytree and Ravenswood, Sitting in the Stands, Waiting For

On Friday 28th March pupils from Ravenswood and Baytree Schools were invited to be Flag Bearers at Ashton Gate Football stadium for an U18 England V U18 Republic of Ireland match. A wonderful experience to walk onto the pitch with the players and stand for the National Anthem in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Bristol and a large crowd waiting in anticipation for a lively game There was a great atmosphere in the ground with the flood lights on and a vocal crowd, cheering the England team on to victory and cheers for skills displayed by all players.

Pupils, parents and staff from Baytree and Ravenswood, sitting in the stands, waiting for instructions to the role of Flag Bearer. The pupils were pleased to be given a T-shirt to wear, uniformity on the pitch and an extra layer to combat a very cold evening. There were pupils from other schools as ball boys and for some a chance to walk around the pitch at half time.

After some discussion as to who would carry which flag there was a quick practice at holding the corners and walking together bending down so all could see the flag.

It was a real honour to walk onto the pitch infront of all the officials and players and stand whilst the National was sung. A chance to watch a great game with 2 goals in the first two minutes, England taking the lead to 3: 2 and the excitement as Ireland scored literally in the last minute. With four minutes extra time England were unable to reclaim the lead so a draw for both teams.

IMPACT: A fantastic community link with staff at a Regional Stadium, Links with pupils and staff from another school, parents, staff and pupils sharing an experience, confidence building to walk onto the pitch.

PUPIL VOICE: ‘ That was great can we do it again?’ ‘I’ve played football with you at your school’ ‘ thank you for such a lovely family experience’(parent) ‘ wow they kick the ball hard’

Many thanks to Mr Fantarrow for coming to the event despite a very cold evening and Mrs Lange for sending daughter and friends and to all staff at Baytree for bringing pupils. Jane Hawkes March 2014