Local Schools Invited to Join Penalty Shootout Challenge

Friday, 11 September 2026 06:00

By Niamh Cunningham

Salisbury Radio are sponsoring the inaugural Salisbury FC Schools Penalty Challenge, inviting local schools to send a team of Year 5/6 students to take penalties out on the pitch during half-time at home games against another school.

The plan is for the Supporters Club to run it throughout the season, culminating in the last home game, where the winning school will receive a trophy on the pitch.

The challenge aims to become an annual event, giving squads of Year 5/6 pupils the chance to step onto the Ray Mac and go head-to-head in a friendly, high-energy half-time penalty shootout at the 3:00 PM Saturday home games.

The schools will get the opportunity to compete under the stadium lights for a spot in the end-of-season Grand Final to lift the Salisbury FC Shootout Trophy.

There is no one-and-done in this event; selected teams get a second chance later in the season, and 50 pupils from participating schools will receive free matchday ticket allocations to pack the stands.

Dominic Savage from Salisbury FC Supporters Club said, "We’re really excited to be inviting schools from Salisbury and the surrounding areas to take part in our new Half-Time Shootout Challenge at Salisbury FC.

"It’s something I remember seeing years ago at Watford FC, and it always struck me as a brilliant way of getting young people involved in the matchday experience. I’ve wanted to bring something similar to the Ray Mac for a long time, so it’s fantastic to now have the opportunity to make it happen here in Salisbury.

"The idea is all about giving local children the chance to step onto the pitch, represent their school, have some fun and experience what it’s like to be part of a matchday at Salisbury FC. Hopefully, it creates some great memories and, more importantly, helps inspire the next generation of Salisbury supporters.

"We want the Ray Mac to feel like it belongs to the whole community, and getting local schools involved is a really exciting step towards that.

"I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Andy and everyone at Salisbury Radio for getting behind the competition and helping us bring it to life. Their support means a lot, and it’s fantastic to have local organisations working together to give young people in Salisbury and the surrounding areas something exciting to get involved in."

Nominate a school by heading to the 'Half Time' tab on the SFC Supporters Club website and hit 'Nominate a School' or email Salisburysupportersclub@gmail.com.

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