Young stars shine brightly at Oban Junior Community Football Festival

At 1pm, all teams and spectators gathered around the Mossfield centre circle to be entertained by professional freestyle footballer Ross Brown who performed a dazzling array of skills and tricks.

Pitch Parade also entertained the masses with his football darts and speed cage.

Sunday was time for primary one to four and girls Under 10 and Under 12. More than 370 youngsters took part, making the weekend’s player total around 750.

This was the first year OJCFC has hosted the girls’ section and it was a fantastic success with teams from Park Primary School, Rockfield Primary School, Campbeltown and Lochgilphead.

The Under 10s played 12-minute games and the Under 12s played 15-minute games.

Primary one children entered their first festival with OJCFC entering three teams in this section. The players enjoyed themselves so much during their 10-minute games against Lochgilphead and Tarbert that it has whetted their appetite for entering more summer festivals.

Primary twos played fun fours on four pitches against Campbeltown, Lochgilphead, Lochnell, Dunoon and Tarbert.

Primary three saw multiple teams entered from Finnart, Lochgilphead, Lochnell, Dunoon and Campbeltown, while primary four included teams from Gleniffer, Lochgilphead, Campbeltown, Dunoon and Tarbert.

OJCFC thank everyone who helped make the day such a success.

Colin Campbell took drone footage, while Kevin McGlynn took photographs.

Dougie Dan and Jasmine Cakes catered for the spectators, as did the parents, who donated homebaking for the club to sell.

OJCFC has recently amalgamated with Oban Saints Youth, providing a stream-lined football pathway for children. Youngsters from Saints Youth helped with various tasks on both days.

Thanks also went to Gleaner Oils, Clement Associates, Soroba House, Kenneth Ferguson Electrical, The Oyster Inn, Kenny Wotherspoon, Tree Work Oban, Allan McKechnie Hair, Oban No1 Celtic Supporters Club, Scottish Sea Farms, Eats @ No43, Roxy’s Café, Dougie Paterson Joinery, Invercreran Lodge and Oban Sports Shop.

"Sponsorship from local businesses helped OJCFC host almost 750 players last weekend," said tournament organiser Archie Clarke. "Many visiting teams stayed in Oban overnight, contributing to the local economy.

"Our thanks also go to the ground staff at Mossfield, who did a fantastic job in preparing the pitches for the festival.

"The teams were of an extremely high standard and many commented on the quality of the playing surface."

More photographs at www.westcoasttoday.co.uk/sport.