Premier League pupils

Each year the Premier League hosts a competition to give schools the chance to represent their club against other PL teams from across the country.  Over four weeks, the Manchester United Foundation held tournaments at The Cliff Training Ground to decide which teams would be put forward to represent Manchester United on 9th May at Liverpool’s home ground.

A total of 112 schools took part in the local tournaments resulting in St. Hugh of Lincoln U11 boys, from Stretford, and St. George’s U13 girls, from Walkden, emerging victorious. 

Aiddy Smith, assistant head and PE teacher at St. Hugh of Lincoln primary school, spoke of what the event means to the pupils: ‘It’s been absolutely fantastic, the boys have loved being here and playing here so to win it overall, they are made up.  They can’t wait to play at Anfield; the SATs will probably go out of the window now as they’ll be so focused on the final!’

The result is all the more significant for St. George’s R.C. High School from Walkden, Salford, as they recently received the news that they will be closing in 2014.  The U13s girls’ coach, Hannah West, commented, ‘I’m so proud of the girls, they are a great bunch and have worked so hard this season; they’ve won the Salford League and the Salford Cup, and they really deserve it.  Our school is being closed down next year, so for us to go out on a high like this is fantastic.’

Year 8 student Shannon Hayes added, ‘It feels amazing, like a dream come true to have won.  I’ve been waiting for this for ages and I’ve dreamed of winning and being able to play on a Premier League pitch.  I can’t describe how it feels that we are going to be the Manchester United girls’ team for the tournament.’

Each team will travel to Anfield on 9th May to represent Manchester United for the chance to be crowned Premier League School Tournament champions 2013.

Find out more: www.premierleague.com