Summer's in full swing at Olton Friary

Inter-church Football Tournament- “It’s coming home…to Holy Souls, Acocks Green”

Sunday 14th July saw football fever sweep the country with the England football team reaching the final of the 2024 Euros. 

Of course, while England didn’t quite manage to bring it home, football fever was alive on the Olton Friary church lawn. 

The parishes of Olton Friary - Olton, St Ambrose Barlow – Hall Green, St Augustine’s – Solihull, Our Lady of the Wayside – Shirley and Sacred Heart and Holy Souls – Acocks Green all gathered for an inter-church football tournament. 

Each team played each of the other teams for a 15-minute match earning points to make it to the Grand Final. 

A community spirit was alive with nearly 100 spectators cheering the teams on from the sidelines. While competition was fierce, there was a spirit of generosity with many playing ‘on loan’ to another parish when required. 

Olton Friary were the favourites from the start, having the largest team and winning all four matches. This secured them a place in the final, however while all teams played courageously, it was Holy Souls who played fiercely to secure the other place. And Holy Souls managed to hit the back of the net before the full-time whistle. 

The event raised nearly £200 for charity and brought the five parishes and parishioners closer with many asking, ‘When’s the next match’. 

A youth tournament is being planned around Education Sunday, 8 September.

Thanks to all who took part and supported especially the priests who supported and a special mention to Fr Andrew Franklin who resurrected his goalkeeping skills in many impressive performances. 

The matches were presided over by referee Trevor Williams who did a sterling job in keeping the games moving. 

The Holy Spirit was certainly alive that Sunday afternoon and the joy it brought will certainly live on.

Olton Friary