Western Counties Youth Games 2003

Teams of young people representing the Stroud District excelled at the 2003 Western Counties Youth Games (WCYG) that took place on 11 - 13 July at Millfield School, Street, Somerset.

The Western Counties Youth Games is a multi-sport event involving 4,000 children aged between 7 and 15 years, competing in 9 different sports, from across 4 Counties - Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire & Swindon and the Unitary Authorities (Bath & NE Somerset, Bristol City, North Somerset & South Gloucestershire).

The boys' hockey team (years 5/6) took the Gold:

In total, 160 young athletes from the District took part in 8 different sports (girls' football, hockey, netball, basketball, tag rugby, tennis, squash, athletics). All 8 teams did well in the face of stiff competition.

The Stroud District Girls' football team (years 8/9) also scooped a prestigious Fair Play Award, which is presented to one team in each sport. Winners have to demonstrate good behaviour, being a good sport, being gracious in victory and defeat, respect for officials and their decisions and co-operation and teamwork at all times.

Stroud District Council's Regeneration Through Sport Manager, Jane Bullows, spent the previous 7 months to the competition organising and co-ordinating trials, coaching sessions, team managers/coaches and administration. Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, the Council's Cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration, showed his support by attending coaching sessions and the event itself. "This is a very worthwhile project that is extremely encouraging for sport in the Stroud District," he said. "The important thing is the taking part. Everyone did well and enjoyed themselves." The Chairman of Stroud District Council, Cllr Mrs Sybil Bruce, also attended the Games at Millfield.

For the first time the Games included an extra day devoted to young children with Special Learning Difficulties. The contingent from Amberley Ridge School proved to be excellent ambassadors for the Stroud District. Sports included boccia, new age kurling, table sports, tennis, rugby, football and athletics. Pictures of the competitors can be viewed below.