Lingfield Prep U11s Secure Runner-Up Spot at National Championships

After successfully winning the ISA regional 5-a-side tournament in October last term, it was time to head to the impressive St George’s Park, England’s National Football Centre, for the ISA National Football tournament.

The boys were excited to get the tournament underway, playing on the same indoor pitch that the England teams prepare for their matches on. In the group stage, the team had 6 matches to play, with the top two teams in each group progressing to the main cup competition.

A fantastic start to the tournament saw the team win their first 3 matches and take an early lead in the group standings. Remaining unbeaten in games 4 & 5, the team secured qualification for the cup competition despite losing in our final group game.

The winners and runners-up of each group then formed two further groups in the cup competition. We won our first match against The King’s School Chester 1-0 and followed this up with a 2-1 victory against Ursuline Prep. These two victories set up a showdown between us and Crosfields School in the final group game, with both teams knowing a win would see them progress to the final. We performed brilliantly in the match, combining excellent defensive and attacking play to win a close match 1-0.

The boys were naturally a little nervous in the final, and it proved to be a tough game against Gatehouse, who won the match 0-2.

Our boys should be extremely proud of their achievements in finishing runners-up in the ISA National event; it is only the second time our school has ever reached the cup final. Thank you to all the parents who travelled to the event to support the team.

Well done to Ethan, Ossie, Zac, Jack, Alex, Isaiah & Owen.

Mr Kempson