Last weekend, as this year’s summer holiday draws to an end, the DSActive teams from Swindon Town and Northampton met for their annual fixture at Cirencester Town’s indoor arena. Previous matches between these teams have always been really hard fought and this year’s was no different.

The day started with a few drills to get everyone warmed up and ready to go. Then the rival teams played three 5-a-side matches, each lasting 15 minutes.  The standard of football was excellent and both sides gave their all with goals flying in from every angle possible, despite some slightly suspicious refereeing.

Both goalkeepers did great work and demonstrated the value of a good keeper, and it was great to see players of all ages getting involved and enjoying themselves. The crowd of parents watching the games also thoroughly enjoyed themselves and gave marvellous support to both sides.

At the end of day, Northampton were crowned overall winners in a presentation ceremony. Each year the teams compete for the Stephen Thomas Cup, named in honour of Stephen, who sadly passed away in 2015 with his father, David. The day’s football was a very fitting tribute to them both.

After the presentation ceremony it was time to dig in to the wonderful spread laid on by Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group and discuss every moment of the matches in great detail. The DSActive team would like to say a huge thank you for the invite to attend the event and they look forward to the re-match next year.