Protyre News

Football fever may well be sweeping the country thanks to the Euros, but in Tavistock, Devon, the only football tournament worth talking about was the Son-Rise competition, supported by Protyre Tavistock.

Held over the bank holiday weekend at Tavistock College, the annual Son-Rise tournament is for teams of all ages and abilities, and raises money for various autism charities.

The competition is linked to the formation of Tavistock Specials FC, which was set up by Alan Lewis to be a football team made up of both able-bodied players and players with disabilities. Protyre Tavistock has been the club’s main sponsor since 2005.

Not only that, Billy Venning, who works at the centre, is also the safe guarding and welfare officer for Tavistock Specials. He also helped organise the Son-Rise tournament.

Billy said: “The weekend was incredible. We had around 1,200 players and about 120 teams participating. It’s amazing to think that 11 years ago it was just two five-a-side teams! It’s grown to become a very popular event and we’re really proud to be part of it.

“One of the reasons it’s such a success is that it’s a real festival of football open to everyone. On the Saturday we had boys’ teams up to under 16s. The girls’ teams played on the Sunday, while Monday was reserved for the special needs teams and we had 80-90 players participating.

“At this stage we don’t have a final figure for how much was raised, but however much it is, the money will be donated to some local charities.”

Alan Lewis added: “We really appreciate the support of Tavistock Tyres and everyone else involved in putting on the tournament. It’s a real community event and when you see all the different team kits it’s a real kaleidoscope of colours.”

For further details about Tavistock Specials visit their website: http://www.tavispecials.co.uk/