Bags of footballs, cones, bibs, whistles and certificates for local schools thanks to community fund

A number of Fenland schools were given bags of footballs, cones, bibs, whistles and certificates thanks to thousands of pounds awarded from a community fund.

Peterborough & Fenland Referee Development Scheme, the training arm of Peterborough Referees’ Association, was awarded £2,100 - the second half of a grant - thanks to Cambridgeshire Community Grants.

The money came from the Burnt House Wind Farm fund and must be spent in the area within five miles radius of Turves.

The project involves regular school visits with the theme being sportsmanship, fair play, respect and the role of the match official.

The money was awarded after the Referees’ Association proved in the first half that the first grant was successful.

Robert Windle, chairman, said: “We exceeded our targets from September to December with over 450 children directly involved which cumulated in a visit from Premier League referee Mike Jones in November.

“We were also delighted to give each participating school a bag of footballs, cones, bibs, whistles and certificates as well as organising a primary school festival.”