On Monday 21st November, the morning of England’s first world cup group game against Iran, Blackpool FC Community Trust hosted our World Cup-themed annual EFL Kids Cup tournament. The event took place at Stanley Park on the 4G facilities and was attended by over 150 pupils from 19 schools to compete in the prestigious event.
The EFL Trust Kids Cup is an invitation event, open to all schools in the Blackpool area, to play in a competitive six-a-side football tournament against other primary schools. The winners then earn the right to represent their school and Blackpool FC, in the regional finals, with a chance to win the opportunity to play at Wembley Stadium in London during the day of the championship play-off game.
This year we had four groups, with the top team from each group progressing through to the semi-finals. The group stages were played out in a great atmosphere, with some amazing football on display, 105 goals were scored, and an amazing 29 clean sheets were kept. This was all underlined by positive attitude and respect, from all schools competing, and they should all be proud of contributing to such a great tournament.
The semi-finals saw Roseacre Academy play Ansdell Primary in a close-fought game with Ansdell progressing with a 1-0 win and in the other semi-final, Sacred Heart Primary played St Johns to come out with a 2-0 victory.
The final was a brilliant end-to-end game, with some fantastic goals scored, which saw Sacred Heart edge out in front, winning the final against Ansdell 3-2. Sacred Heart will now go on to represent their school and Blackpool FC at the regional finals next year in March.
Simon Smith, Physical Education Manager at Blackpool FC Community Trust said,
“This year’s EFL Kid’s cup was played out in a great spirit, with a really high standard of football by a lot of teams. It was a pleasure to host such an amazing tournament that brings together children of schools all over the Fylde Coast. The world cup theme and the opportunity for all schools to have their picture taken with the world cup trophy was a bonus, and this all added to a fantastic morning of football. Well done to all schools who competed and good look to Sacred Heart who now go on to represent us at the regional competition.”
Sean Kellett from Moorpark Primary School said,
“This is a brilliant tournament that brings all the schools together, it’s a friendly tournament and a competitive tournament. It’s also a very inclusive tournament for boys and girls playing to take part.”
Jamie Nay from Westcliff Primary School said,
“It’s a fantastic event run by the Community Trust. The children of West Cliff Primary have loved it. It’s Great to see the kids playing football outside, outside of school, for the school team and representing the school as well.”
