EXPERIENCE OF A LIFE-TIME!
The 6-a-side football team from the Chingford Church of England Primary School suffered the heartache of being knocked out at the semi-final stage of The Premier League’s 2016 School’s Tournament which took place at Goodison Park, the home of Everton FC on Tuesday (May 17th)
Deputy Head, Ian Osborne said, “I was so proud of the children, it’s such a fantastic achievement and it speaks volumes for their talent and application to have done so well. They were well behaved and certainly had a day that they will remember all their lives, I know I will!”
The boys were representing Tottenham Hotspur, played in the club’s colours and travelled to Liverpool in the state of the art team coach that is more often used for ferrying the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli to matches up and down the country.
On the famous Everton pitch the boys reached the last four by defeating teams representing Bournemouth, Chelsea and Arsenal, with David Harris scoring four goals in the group stage.
Captain Jedd Coster thought: “It was amazing to get to play at a Premier League Stadium and I’ll never forget the feeling when we won our group and went through to the semi-finals.”
In a pulsating semi-final encounter watched by an enthusiastic crowd, Pat Bacon had rattled the crossbar with a fine headed effort only for the Chingford team to be defeated by Crystal Palace by two goals to nil.
Coach David Bloomfield said, “There were tears come the final whistle, but very quickly everyone started to take on board just how well the boys had done to get to the last four. Naturally there was disappointment but we knew that the semi-final had been a great game, which softens the blow, if only a little.”
Parent Tony Bacon who had travelled up to see his son in action added, “It was a fantastic day from start to finish, the children were so excited it was untrue, but I think us parents were even more nervous!
“I felt for the boys in the semi, they had put so much into it, but it was great to take part; it was all very well organised by the school, Spurs and The Premier League and on behalf of the parents and those that went to Liverpool, I would like to say a big thank-you.”
The defiant and unbowed Deputy Head issued a warning that his team will be back when he added, “I am already dreaming about our chances in 2017; I am really optimistic as our next crop of youngsters are showing a lot of promise.”
Swansea City lifted the trophy on the podium after a narrow victory over Crystal Palace in the final.
Highlights and interviews from the 2016 Schools Tournament will be shown in the Match Of The Day Kickabout programme on CBBC on Saturday, 28 May at 7.45am.
