Whitburn girls crowned champions in national football tournament
“The girls represented the school with pride, teamwork and determination”
Whitburn Church of England Academy’s Under 15 girls football team enjoyed a day to remember as they were crowned Sisters n Sport National Shield Champions following a series of outstanding performances at the national finals.
The road to the finals saw the girls overcome strong opposition from Goole Academy (Yorkshire), Queen Ethelburga’s (York), and Bishop Blue Coat CofE High School (Chester) to secure their place in the prestigious final four event, held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre on Thursday 7 May.
It was an early start for the squad, leaving school at 5.30am, but spirits were high as the team travelled to the former home of the England national team, “determined to make their mark on the national stage”.
The semi-final against Appleton School (Essex) proved to be a tense and closely fought encounter. Appleton School took the lead in the first half but Whitburn levelled the game with a superb long-range strike from Lily Scott before the match finished 1-1 and headed to penalties.
Goalkeeper Sophia Douglas produced two excellent saves in the shootout before Amelia Stores calmly converted the decisive penalty to send Whitburn into the final.
The final against Culford School (Suffolk) was another thrilling contest, with Whitburn eventually securing a memorable 3-2 victory. Early goals from Bo Hunter and Lily Scott gave the team a 2-0 advantage at half-time. Culford responded shortly after the break, but captain Lily Scott restored Whitburn’s two-goal cushion with a stunning free-kick into the top corner to make it 3-1.
A late goal from the opposition ensured a tense finish, but Whitburn showed great composure and determination to hold on and seal the national title.
After the girls were crowned champions, the school’s headteacher John Crowe said: “The achievement is a fantastic moment for the players, staff and wider Whitburn community, with the girls representing the school with pride, teamwork and determination throughout the competition. Congratulations to our U15 girls — national champions and a team that truly did Whitburn proud.”
A number of players also took home individual awards. In the semi-final, Katie Batten was named Players’ Player, whilst Sophia Douglas was named as the Coach’s Player of the round. In the final, the Coach’s Player was Bo Hunter, whilst Grace Omar Dyke was named Sisters n Sport Player of the Final.