The morning of the 15th May dawned bright and sunny ready for the Grand Opening of the new Kiveton Community Sports Park. Lots of children and their parents arriving early eager to get started with their football games. There were lots of fun things to do for those not involved in the matches. The climbing wall seemed very popular along with the Caving Experience. The face painting was kept busy judging by the number of children walking about looking very glamorous. In the afternoon some of the pitches were used for Zorb Ball football which was enjoyed by both participants and spectators alike. Red Road kept everyone informed of activities interspersed by good music. Ozzy Owl and Captain Blade gave lots of opportunities for children to have their photographs taken as mementos of the day. There was plenty of choice of food to keep everyone going throughout the day from the Hog Roast, Hot Dogs, cakes, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. The cake stall seemed to sell out very quickly obviously satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth. The Carnival atmosphere helped to make sure everyone had a good time and the venue itself is something the whole village can be very proud of.
The day was a huge success and finished with a friendly Girls U12 game between Kiveton Park Girls and Sheffield United Community Ladies, the very first time the pitch was used for a full game.
Spectators stayed to watch a high quality and competitive game, showcasing the opportunities for girls’ football.
During the half time period, both teams received a special team talk from Doncaster Rovers Belles player Kasia Lipka. Kasia gave advice and challenges to try and help both teams in the second half. Lots of chances were created with both goalkeepers kept very busy. The game ended 1-1, a fitting way to finish a great celebratory match.
After the game, Kasia then held a Q&A with all the players and coaches offering advice and gave the players a fantastic opportunity to pick Kasia’s brain on the most challenging topics in football.
Eva Egginton, Sheffield & Hallamshire County FA’s Girl’s, Women’s and Inclusion Football Development Officer said: “The facility opening was a great event on a sunny Sunday with 200 to 300 people coming along for the day to get involved in all the activities available. They were able to celebrate another brand new facility designed to encourage more young players to become involved in football.”
The facility is owned and will be maintained by the Kiveton Park and Wales Community Development Trust and bookings to use the facilities can be made through the kivetoncommunitysportspark.co.uk
