A GROUP of young football stars of the future got the chance to experience what it’s like to play in a proper football stadium at the weekend. Players aged between four and 12-years-old who are members of the Forres Area Soccer 7s were invited to Mosset Park, the home of the Forres Mechanics to get a taste of playing on a proper pitch. The youngsters were able to use the changing rooms, and entered the pitch from the players’ tunnel to whoops and cheers from the crowd. The event which was not held as a fundraiser also took in over £500 for the club through donations and a BBQ. Shaun Moat, chairman of the club which meets between February and October said: “We are overwhelmed with the turnout of children and supporters. It was fantastic to see so many parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles cheering on the teams. The children played very well and were a real credit to the club which prides itself on respect.” He added: “I would also like to of course thank The committee of Forres Mechanics for allowing us to play. There was a real excitement among the children, parents and coaches alike.” On Saturday, Macleans Highland Bakery & Pedigreed Cars from the Super 5s section of the Soccer 7s played a game during halftime of the Forres Mechanics V Lossiemouth match Scottish Cup 1st Round Match.
Shaun said: “The Mechanics have been very supportive of the Soccer 7s. We had two teams play a ten minute match at halftime on Saturday and again, it was a real boost for the kids. We hope to do this again in the future.” Next week will mark the end of season for the Forres Area Soccer 7s.The weekend will start with a tournament at Grant Park and will finish with a celebratory party at Dyke & District Village Hall on the Sunday. “This has been an exceptional year,” said Shaun, “I have no doubt that we will be ending on a high next week, when the season come to a close.”