Despite the onset of winter, schools turned up from Ayrshire to Aberdeen full of enthusiasm for the day ahead.
The morning pools provided some good competition as the players got settled into their teams and worked hard at controlling the three-touch game.
A few of the guests and teachers commented on the atmosphere in the hall. There was a real positive vibe being created by the players involved and the direction being given to them by their teachers.
After a morning, which flew by, the pools were redrawn and after a short lunch break the school players were raring to go.
The level of play in the afternoon was highly impressive with lots of games being so close they were decided by the last point on the buzzer! It was not just the level of the top pool that was impressive as there was no vast gap between top and bottom pools.
Unfortunately the day had to come to an end though and this
presented a challenge for the organisers, as the teams at the top of most of the pools had all beaten each other, so after some careful maths the winners of the pools were announced.
In the boy’s pools Kyle Academy’s teams were run extremely close by Marr College and by Belmont College but it was Kyle Academy who went home as the S2/3 national festival winners.
The girl’s pools were equally as close, Aberdeen Grammar School, Kyle Academy and Belmont Academy all performed well but it was Marr College who took the title of Grangemouth champions on points difference.
On a day where such enthusiasm and hard work was demonstrated it is extremely difficult to single any individuals out. However, the Spirit of the Tournament awards went to Ethan Dear of Woodfarm High School and Natalie Smith of Marr College.
Many Congratulations to all pupils and staff of Marr College, Belmont Academy, Aberdeen Grammar School, Woodfarm HS, Craigmount HS, Kyle Academy and Queensferry HS.
A great amount of thanks are due to Martyn Johnstone for running such a smooth and encouraging festival. The biggest debt is due to the teachers who continue to amaze by bringing more players every year into the game of volleyball.
The next festival to take place is the Aberdeen P7/S1 tournament on 20th January 2014. If you want to get involved in the MACvolley School Festival programme please email me.
Graeme Spowart
Club & Participation Development Officer
