School soccer stars rule Britannia

On Friday 23rd May 2014, Newcastle-under-Lyme College sponsored a Schools football tournament at the Britannia Stadium- home of Stoke City F.C.

The ‘Play on the pitch’ schools tournament featured local schools from across Stoke on-Trent, Staffordshire & Cheshire, giving pupils the chance to follow in their heroes footsteps on the famous turf.

The tournament was run over a three day period, with the first two days focusing on Primary schools, the third and final day involved pupils in Year 9 & 10 from the following secondary schools: Madeley High School, Wolstanton High School, COOP Academy of Stoke on-Trent, Birches Head Academy and Shavington High School.

The tournament was split into a Year 9 section and a Year 10 section, the Year 10 section was incredibly contested with Madeley narrowly defeating Wolstanton in the final. It was a tight game with few chances, until Madeley scored a breakaway goal to seal the win.

During the final itself, the Madeley pupils were unaware that they were being watched by their own Assistant Head teacher Mr Hope, who was enjoying the hospitality in the NULC School Liaison Executive Box.

Players from Madeley High school were also given the opportunity to be interviewed in the press area after their victory, with Aaron Robinson and Jack Kennedy answering questions. Jack commented ‘The day has been ace, very enjoyable and we won the tournament!’ Aaron added ‘It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to play on the pitch at Stoke City and we loved it’.

 

The event was also very well received by staff at the respective schools with Mark Rogers Head of Physical Education at COOP Academy of Stoke on-Trent commenting ‘It has been a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to play on the pitch at the Britannia, a day they will never forget’.

 

The event was jointly sponsored by both NULC and Stoke City F.C goalkeeper Asmir Begovic and his charity The Asmir Begovic Foundation. All students that participated in the event were able to speak to NULC Academy of Sport staff to find out about what sports they can get involved in when they study at NULC.