Youngsters’ superb team spirit

Boughton & Dunkirk primary school’s Year 6 footballers did their school proud by reaching the ESFA national final. Despite losing 1-0, it was a remarkable journey for the team, who had won their way through local and regional qualification to get that far. Coach and teacher Daniel Warner said: “As disappointed as the team were, we are proud of their amazing achievement, hard work, dedication and team spirit, which has made the football team second in England in the small schools competition.” They started the season by winning the ESFA district finals and then proved themselves the best small schools team in the South East, winning the regional finals in May at Thamesmead. Boughton increased their training ahead of the national finals at Lilleshall, Shropshire, on one of the wettest days of the summer. With each team drawn in a pool of four, Boughton overcame a stomach bug in the squad and a 2-0 defeat in their opening match to top their group, 1-0 and 2-0 victories securing their progress to the semi-finals. A 1-1 draw meant a penalty shoot-out was needed to separate the teams, giving keeper Sam Millsted the chance to shine with two saves that helped put his team in the final. Sadly, they went down 1-0 to North Walney junior school, from Cumbria, whom they had beaten 2-0 in the group stages. There were tears but managers and players alike were able to admire their silver ESFA medallions that shone as bright as the efforts that had brought them so far. PE teacher Claudine Fulton said: “This success shows what hard work from coaches, team and also support from parents can lead to. “It’s a fantastic legacy for these year children to leave.” Squad: Barny Halls (captain), Alfie Crittenden, Oliver Halls, Oscar Hird, Kyle Brady, Harvey Davies, Louis Kerrin, Francesca Towers, Sam Millsted (goalkeeper).

Boughton & Dunkirk Primary School’s Year 6 team who reached the ESFA national finals