Border Telegraph | Sport | Stow Carlsberg Soccer Sevens 'to go ahead'

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Tuesday, 9th September, 2008 11:30

Stow Carlsberg Soccer Sevens 'to go ahead'

By Ally McGilvray

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STOW Carlsberg Soccer Sevens 2008 will go ahead this Sunday – despite the venue being used as a boating pond at the weekend.

Organisers of the annual competition, which was won by Winton last year, have already been forced to cancel this year’s event twice in as many months due to freak flooding.

However, they are determined to make a splash with the fun day which has become one of the biggest football tournaments in the Borders.

Speaking on the club’s website, Stow FC secretary Tucker McCall said: “The weather has caused havoc with our park. However, it is still very much our plan to host the event on Sunday (September 14).”

A number of changes are to be made to the Sevens to ensure they kick-off this weekend.

These are as follows: The tournament will now consist of 16 teams (instead of the usual 24); It will be played under a straight knockout basis, each game will last 20 minutes (2 x 10 minutes); There will only be two sevens pitches in use; The tournament will still start at noon; The draw will be made again and kick-off times and a copy of the draw will be issued to participating clubs; and permission is still granted for all teams to take part from the BAFA and SAFA in the event.

Mr McCall said: “As you will be aware there have been horrendous problems this year trying to host our annual sevens tournament.

“Due to various circumstances (ground condition and other commitments for clubs who originally intended to participate) we have decided to change the format for this year only.

“I apologise for all the inconvenience caused but hope you can understand (and sympathise) with the unprecedented weather problems we have been faced with. I hope that you can attend and continue to support this annual football event.”

Nevertheless, he added: “You will be glad to know that we intend to revert back to an end of season date for future events… Weather permitting!”

Stow Amateur Football Club are pleased to announce that the Stow Carlsberg Soccer Sevens 2008 which were scheduled to be played at Stow on Sunday 14th September 2008 will now be played at the Tweedbank All Weather Sports Facility in Galashiels. This switch of venue is necessary due to the severe flooding of the Stow Park and changing facility. The Stow pitch is in reasonable condition but the surrounding areas are still dangerous for spectators.

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