Summertown Stars VI team, sponsored by Darbys Solicitors, played their first ever football matches against London Lasers at a futsal festival held at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre on Sunday 1 February 2009. The festival was organized by the North Oxford based club, which is the largest youth football club in the county, in conjunction with the Oxfordshire Football Association. London Lasers are the VI team coached by Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and they have been training together for over 3 years. The Stars were formed just over a year ago, and although less experienced than their opponents, put up a fine display, and they even managed to open up the scoring!
Ex-international goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, who won 125 England caps, making him the most capped England player of all time, attended the event as the ambassador of Redyset iGoals. The iGoals are revolutionary inflatable goals ideally suited for youth football because they are so safe and are used by Summertown Stars. Peter was fantastic, and he patiently answered questions, signed autographs and took part in the coaching session that preceded the matches. The Stars VI team used a sighted girl goalkeeper from the clubs under 12 team for the festival, and she thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The team made lots of new friends and they have been invited to take part in a VI futsal tournament which will be held in Telford in May.