Monday 11th July saw the fourth ‘Bratwurstpokal’ German language and football tournament take place at Newcastle University’s Longbenton sports ground. Six Schools from the North East region attended bringing with them squads of ten pupils who spent the morning learning all about football in German. The groups enjoyed blazing sunshine as they learned football related vocabulary before putting it to use in coming up with team names, logos, mascots and anthems.
The morning session was followed by a German barbecue with frankfurters, pork steaks and even sauerkraut after which teams began warming up for the afternoon’s football tournament. Teams took to the pitch and began by singing their new chants and anthems before kicking off for an intense and brilliantly played tournament. Unfortunately, with loud claps of thunder echoing around and the sky turning a deep shade of purple, the tournament was cut short as a torrential downpour hit the pitches.
There was only one team who at this stage, had won all of their games and congratulations go to Marden High for coming top of the Bratwurstpokal league and walking away with prizes courtesy of the German Consulate General in Edinburgh and the Goethe Institute. Schools stayed to take part in a quiz during the storm and this saw Sandhill School win a prize for completing the questions based on what the teams had learned during the day. The day’s final prize, for the team who was most enthusiastic and wrote the best team song went to Farringdon School who also received goody bags to take home.
Despite the downpour the day was a success. One teacher commented ‘I thought it was a fabulous idea and would definitely like to be involved again’. The children also left with new German knowledge and most importantly, the motivation to continue enthusiastically with their language study. Thanks to all who got involved for a brilliant day.
