ScrivSoccer7, a seven-a-side football tournament to raise funds for a Cwmbran teacher who suffered a double stroke in 2009, has seen 24 teams sign-up in less than a month.
Paul “Scriv” Scriven was a pupil at Llantarnam School and after gaining his degree in Liverpool, went on to become a well-liked geography teacher at Croesyceiliog School.
In January 2009 he unexpectedly collapsed and was rushed to hospital. Lucky to survive at all, he has since been left unable to move or communicate, and now lives in the Leonard Cheshire home near Caerleon.
Since then a group of friends have been helping to raise case for a trust fund to help his life be a bit more comfortable. His condition means he can only move his thumb and forefinger.
Scriv’s old form class reunite
Scriv’s form class in Croesyceiliog School were 11R and over ten years after he was their form tutor, they have reunited to put a team together to support their favourite teacher. Daniel “Bezzy” Berryman, aged 27, was in Scriv’s form class for three years and is pulling together some of his old school mates to enter a team.
Bezzy said: “He was my form tutor and for a few of my friends he taught them geography. He would sometimes cover for games and coach football if other teachers were off. A lot of the boys got on really well with him. He was a very down to earth guy, and it’s something we had to support. Our team is called 11R which is named after his form class.”
ScrivSoccer7 is for everyone. Come along on Saturday 30 May
The organisers say it’s more than just a regular football tournament. It will be a brilliant day out for spectators and families. A food and beer tent will be set up and children can enjoy a bouncy castle and get their faces painted. Several children’s favourite characters are due to be making an appearance such Peppa Pig, Elsa from Frozen, Doc McStuffins and Princess Sofia.
The organisers will be asking parents to vote for their favourite characters in the coming weeks because they only have room for a limited number. A list of possible options will be available on the Give4Scriv facebook page in the next few days.
This is very much a family day and all players are being told it’s about football being played in the right spirit for what the day is about.
Thanks to Cwmbran Celtic FC
The organisers want to also stress what a pivotal role Cwmbran Celtic FC have played in really making this happen. They are doing a top job of supporting the day by providing the pitch and running the food stand and bar.
Goldie Lookin Chain are putting a team together as is Olympic Sprinter Christian Malcolm together with former Cwmbran Town captain Sean Wharton. Current Welsh International Danny Gabbidon will be supporting the event as a squad member spectator of his brother who is playing in a ‘host’ side.
Other eye-catching side’s on the list are: ’50 Shades of Cwmbran’; Gwent Police; Wales Veterans and Welsh Ambulance Service have entered teams. Organisers are also expecting a South Wales Fire Service team to complete the hat trick of 999 services taking part.
How to enter ScrivSoccer7
Entries are filling up very quickly so if you are interested in entering a team you should contact the Give4Scriv facebook page with a team name and the contact details of the team captain.
The cost is £100 per team for a squad of at least ten. You will need to tell organisers of your team strip colours to avoid any kit clashes. A squad of ten will be £10 per player which is a bargain price for a family day with a bit of football for a fantastic cause.
The organisers are keen to stress this will be a family friendly event and want spectators and families to come along and enjoy a fun-filled family day.
Come and watch ScrivSoccer7
Spectator admission is £1.50 for adults and children are free. Please come and support this fantastic, local cause.
Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates- https://www.facebook.com/Give4Scriv
It is being held on Saturday 30 May from 10am. Pop the date in your calendar now. The venue is Celtic Park, the pitches next to Cwmbran Stadium.
