Norfolk girls battle for Football Cup

Footballers from fellow members of a Norfolk academies trust faced one another on the pitch when they competed in the first round of a national tournament.

The under-15 girls’ team from Smithdon High School in Hunstanton were pitted against their counterparts from Springwood High School in King’s Lynn in Round One of the English Schools’ Football Association Girls U15 Schools’ Cup, which took place at Springwood at the end of January.

The schools, which are both part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, were among over 150 taking part in the annual competition.

Team Springwood

The hotly contested match saw the Springwood team emerge triumphant, winning 6-1 over Smithdon to secure their place in the second round of the Cup, which extends over eight stages before concluding at the end of the Summer Term.

“This is the first time that Smithdon High School has entered into the National Cup,” said Jamie Tilley, Head of PE at Smithdon and the football team’s coach.

Team Smithdon

“We have several girl players that play outside of school and wanted to give the girls every opportunity to represent the school by playing in fixtures – and what a way to introduce them to school football, and then play our Trust school, Springwood.”

“The match was played in great spirits, as both teams were very competitive,” he continued. “But a very experienced Springwood side came on top, by pressing the Smithdon defence and being very clinical on their finishes.

“But Smithdon kept their team spirits high and never gave up till the final whistle.”

Highlights of the match for Smithdon included Bonnie scoring for the team and Kayla saving several Springwood goal attempts.

“Having events like this allows students to represent Smithdon in sporting events,” added Mr Tilley. “We have so many talented, eager students that want to play sports, and it gives them a chance to put in 100 per cent effort and attitude, and gives them pride to represent the school.”

Pictures by Ian Burt