Fairtrade day has its ‘goal’

Oct 3 2007 By Trisha McKenna, East Kilbride News

THE annual Fairtrade football event kicks off this weekend and it promises to be a great day out.

Now in its second year, the East Kilbride Fairtrade Football Tournament will see four under-16 teams competing.

The event kicks off at 11am on Saturday at East Kilbride Thistle’s Showpark in the Village, and organisers claim it will be a hotly contested match as EK United defend their title as last year’s winners of the tournament trophy, donated by East Kilbride Fairtrade Group.

There will also be a number of activities on the day to entertain all ages including beat the goalie, a crossbar challenge, raffles and refreshments.

The teams will play each other over six games and medals and trophy presentation will take place on the pitch around 3.45pm. Entry to the ground is free.

Last year’s tournament, which was held in Calderglen Country Park, saw EK United, East Kilbride Thistle 1992, Claremont AFC and Strathaven Dynamo try out Fairtrade footballs for the first time.

Buying footballs marked with the Fairtrade logo guarantees workers a decent wage, better working conditions, no child labour and environmental benefits.

Chairwoman of East Kilbride Fairtrade Group, Joan Wright, said: “We are looking forward to the big game and would like to thank the Rotary Club for their kind donation of £200 to help run such events.

“We would also like to encourage all school and town football teams to try out Fairtrade footballs.

“There are now a large range of top quality Fairtrade goods available in the town’s shops.“

And group is already gearing up for its next Fairtrade venture later this year.

Members of the local Fairtrade group have organised a Christmas Fayre which will be held on November 24, at the Ballerup Hall, where residents can go along and purchase Fairtrade gifts and locally-made, eco-friendly products.

For more information on these or future events, or to book a stall for the Christmas fayre, call Kirsten Robb, secretary of EK Fairtrade Group on 529255 or email robbkirsten@yahoo.co.uk