The Circle Agency activates at the Playstation School’s Cup Festival
Posted by
Some of the best young footballing talent in England showcased their skills this week as they took part in the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) PlayStation® Schools’ Cup Festival, 19th-21st May.
Staged at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium, 15 finals from U12-U15 age groups, including boys’ and girls’ teams, took place across the three days with a number of prestigious trophies up for grabs.
The Festival was the culmination of a nine month journey for these young athletes. The programme, which is jointly activated by PR and sponsorship specialists HPS Jardine and brand experience experts Circle Agency, delivers the kind of experience most young athletes can only dream of.
Friends, family and pupils of participating schools were invited to join in the occasion. A number of activities were available to enhance their visit, including a PlayStation®4 gaming concourse, a half-time crossbar challenge and an exclusive MATCH! Magazine photo mechanic, delivered on Circle’s EventPix platform.
Thousands of supporters gathered at the Festival, immersing themselves in the action, cheering on their school, and supporting the budding young stars of the future. Past ESFA tournaments have provided the platform for the careers of Steven Gerrard, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs.
Guest appearances from Sunderland survival hero Connor Wickham, Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez and Bobby Zamora, who took time out ahead of QPR’s Championship play-off final against Derby County on Saturday, came along to support the event, provide words of wisdom to the players and enjoy the football on show. Tottenham Hotspur star Danny Rose supported the final day and was overawed by the trademark high standards of football that have been contested across the duration of the Festival.
The partnership between PlayStation and the English Schools’ FA (ESFA) has been set up to boost grassroots football and help increase the engagement in competitive sport for secondary school age categories.
