Bristol City opens its grounds for a school soccer tournament final

A tournament which was started in 1907 is set to return to Ashton Gate for the final this Saturday. The Woodcock Shield is a traditional tournament for school soccer teams to compete throughout the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area.

The shield was designed all those years ago by Colonel Woodcock, a teacher at a local school who became a Bristol City Councillor. Shocked by the lack of competition in Bristol schools he donated trophies for all sports. It’s been 30 years since the tournament final has been played at the ground and everyone is welcoming the return.
Chipping Sodbury School Year 10 boys’ team has been battling for a place in the final over the season and their efforts have paid off! They are all set to compete with Filton High School in the final which is to take place on Saturday 29th May at Ashton Gate. Since installing their TigerTurf Challenger pitch at the end of  2009, the team’s success has gone from strength to strength. Increased playing and training hours has meant they have been able to prove that practice makes perfect and are over the moon to have secured a place in this local, much loved, traditional competition.  

Richard Blacker – Business Manager at Chipping Sodbury School said “The boys have worked really hard this season to secure their place in the Woodcock Shield final.  Their commitment has really paid off and the team is very excited about the prospect of playing the final at Ashton Gate, particularly for the Bristol City fans amongst them. It is for many of them a dream come true. All the extra training they have undertaken during and out of school hours would have been impossible with the old natural turf pitch. Our new Challenger pitch has proven to be an overwhelming success for both the school and the community in less than six months.” 

With the campaign to get the tournament back to its original venue drawing so much attention, the story has already been covered on TV and radio by BBC and ITV and there will be strong media presence at the final which is expected to draw crowds of 1000 or more. Adding more excitement for the team and making it an even more prestigious title for the winners. Good luck boys!