THE Melrose Festival kicked off in style with samba beats and kids trying the skills of Neymar, Messi and Ronaldo on the pitch. Organised by the Ex-Melrosians with help from Melrose FC, a World Cup 5-a-side dazzled the watching crowds. Over 130 children played in the soccer festival and they all took World Cup teams. Dressed in national colours, children from 4 to 16, staged their own mini World Cup and had the thrill of holding the World Cup (kindly loaned by the Trophy Guy) after their matches. All were winners, with the younger children presented medals from this year’s Melrosian, Fraser Anderson.

Fraser, who is studying criminology, did mention that he was really impressed by the day but his team were a crime against football. Fraser and the older residence of Melrose played in the Annual Melrosians Football Fives for Adults and Youths.

Melrose Football Club Chairperson, Ray Fenton, stated: “Sunday’s ‘World Cup Fives Melrose Festival Football Event’ was an immensely successful event and seeing the children smiling and the older players puffing was a joy. The hard work the Festival Committee, Melrose FC and the Ex-Melrosians did, ensured that the event was a suitable start, to what will be a great week.”