A CHARITY football tournament at Port Glasgow High School which had to be decided by a penalty shoot out has raised hundreds of pounds for a local good cause.

Eight teams took part in the week-long fundraiser for Children in Poverty Inverclyde (CIPI), which culminated in a tight 1-1 final between Scotland and Serbia.

A sudden death shootout finale saw Scotland claim the trophy in a tournament which raised £500 for CIPI.

Greenock Telegraph:

The event, organised by teachers Craig Hart and Greg Starling, kicked off on Tuesday, with games being held at lunchtime throughout the week.

Mr Hart told the Tele: “We wanted to give something back to the community. The senior boys felt Children in Poverty Inverclyde was a good local charity to give to.

“It’s very competitive – and very exciting as well. The whole school gets behind it.

“We’ve had different managers from different departments, and all the staff come down to watch the games at lunchtime.”

Greenock Telegraph:

S6 pupil Rhys Morgan, who captained the winning side, said it was a bittersweet result in his final year at the school.

He added: “Mr Hart and Mr Starling always put on a good event.

“I’m really happy to be here and play in it.

“Helping the community is what means the most. If you can do it by having fun, it’s even better.”

Head teacher Gillian Carroll said the tournament had created ‘a real buzz’ around the school.

Greenock Telegraph: Pat Burke of Children in Poverty Inverclyde presented the winners' medals

She added: “The hall is jam packed every lunchtime with young people watching and supporting their peers.

“It’s just a really, really fun way to lead us up to the end of term.”

Children in Poverty Inverclyde founder Pat Burke presented winners and runners-up with medals after the final.

He said: “It’s fabulous engagement with our charity.

“We have to credit the teachers who organise this, notably Craig Hart and Greg Starling.

“It was a terrific game. It’s probably the best football match I’ve seen all year.”