St Agnes AFC hosted the first FA sanctioned 11 aside mixed gender charity fixture at Enys Parc on Sunday, as part of an FA Pilot looking into the format and by all accounts it was hugely successful and great fun.
St Agnes ‘Bolsters & St Agnes ‘All Stars’ (Sean Bartlett)
Whilst youth football can he played as mixed throughout the age groups, the 11 aside, mixed format for adults, is not presently permitted.
St Agnes AFC applied for permission following a request from The FA for projects and out of seven sanctioned were the only club in the country to receive the go-ahead (the others were League and County FA based).
Two teams made up of players from St Agnes AFC Ladies’ and Mens’ teams featured in the match with the St Agnes AFC mixed gender ‘Bolsters’ beating St Agnes AFC mixed gender ‘All Stars’, 6-3. The match was played in great spirit, much to the enjoyment of players and spectators.
An overview of thoughts from the players, officials and spectators of the experience of being involved in the fixture will be forwarded to Brunel University who are monitoring and evaluating the FA Pilot.
Proceeds from the event, which included a raffle and mini-auction, reached almost £700 and will be shared between two Cornish Charities Penhaligon’s Friends (supporting bereaved children) and the Merlin MS Centre.
(Images: Sean Bartlett)
