"To use the emotive power of sport as a support mechanism for learning strategies by continuing to work with education professionals to contribute to the improvement in pupil's attainment and confidence."

'Families into Football'

The Community Soccer Centre at Layer Road was packed this Saturday as families joined CUCST before the Colchester United V Hull City match to practise their reading & writing skills. This was the first fixture of the new family learning project ‘Families into Football’, which CUCST is running as part of the BBC RaW campaign.

The rain fell relentlessly but failed to dampen the spirits of the adults and children who were treated to a stadium tour before the serious business began. Using CUFC photos as a stimulus families collaborated to write ‘The Duel’, a story of a battle between opposing teams.

Unfortunately, this was the closest they got to any footballing excitement as the game was abandoned before kick off. Before they left the families combined to produce the story below.

The Duel

A sea of blue & white supporters crammed into the stands. Excited murmurs of unfinished conversations rippled through the waves of people pressed together like sardines in a tin. The noise grew to a crescendo, greeting the anxious players as they jogged from the warm tunnel onto the pitch. Clapping hands unified supporters and players in their common aim: TO WIN!

The home players looked focussed, determined; eyes concentrating on potential victory. Crisply, clean kit unspoilt by crunching tackles began to darken as drips of rain fell relentlessly onto the blue fabric. White socks grew wet and dirty as the players waited impatiently for kick off – feet beating adrenalin fuelled rhythms in the mud. Opposing players stood their ground, muscles tensed and ready to spring into action. Steely faces disguising anxious feelings as the ref slowly raised his whistle to his lips.

Battle commenced. The noise erupted at both ends of the pitch, Home Fans taunting Away Fans, “It’s all gone quiet over there!” Play continued, the ball being passed accurately between players getting ever closer to goal. Home Team supporters’ screamed at the top of their voices, “Come on!!” The goal was missed. The player’s head drooped with disappointment but the fans cheered him on, encouraging him to score: shouting with excitement and anticipation for the continuing battle.

The 90th minute and he was through on goal. The keeper came out as he shot, making a clumsy tackle. A penalty was awarded. The keeper angrily pushed his opponent. Red Card. The duel was nearly over, just a penalty to score. He stepped up and shot. He scored. The net rippled as cheers echoed all around the ground.

The victorious penalty taker sprinted away victoriously, skidding to a halt in the corner of the pitch. Team mates buried him under a pile of bodies as the euphoria of victory overcame them. Deafening cheers accompanied ‘Mexican Waves’. The crowd were delighted and already anticipating the next duel…