Bar Hill Primary School’s 7-a-side football team have finished as runners-up in the South-East Regional Schools’ Finals, securing their place in the National Finals at Stoke City FC’s stadium this May.
The squad of ten talented Year 5 and 6 players travelled to the regional tournament in Sporting Thamesmead, North London, to compete against the top primary school teams from across the South-East, including competitors from Bedfordshire and Sussex.
The team started strong with a 3-1 victory in their opening group-stage match thanks to two fantastic goals from Alex Mickevics and another from Frankie Houston, both Year 6 pupils. Their second match against Sunnymeade Primary in Essex ended in a nail-biting 1-1 draw, with Alex scoring another amazing goal from a free kick. A hard-fought 0-0 draw followed against a very strong team from The Disraeli School in Buckinghamshire, but this still secured Bar Hill’s position at the top of Group A.
Progressing to the next stage, the team faced off against Group B winners, Wolfson Hillel School in Middlesex, in a tense match that ended in a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Oscar Chetwyn, a Year 5 pupil, delivered a standout performance during the match, with several crucial saves. The final match against eventual tournament champions, St Mary’s Primary in Sussex, ended in another hard-fought 0-0 draw, showcasing Bar Hill’s defensive resilience and teamwork.
With their place in the National Finals now confirmed, the team will compete against the best primary school teams in England. This outstanding achievement reflects the school’s commitment to sporting excellence.
Charlotte Linden, Head Teacher at Bar Hill Primary School, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishments: “We are incredibly proud of our children for their outstanding performance. Their teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship have been truly inspiring, and securing a place in the national finals is a fantastic achievement. This is a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we can’t wait to see them represent our school on the national stage!”
She added: “A huge thank you to Lloyd Makhanya from Kick Start Sports for his fantastic coaching and support, which has been instrumental in the team’s success.”
With spirits high and excitement building, the team is eager and ready for the challenge ahead. The Bar Hill Primary community will be cheering them on as they compete for the national title next month.