Pupils represent the Reds at national Premier League tournament
The annual competition gives schools the chance to play for their club against other teams from across the country. Over five weeks, Manchester United Foundation held tournaments at partner school Irlam and Cadishead College to decide which teams would be put forward to represent United on 20th May at the Etihad stadium, home to the 2013-14 champions’ Manchester City.
A total of 109 schools took part in the local tournaments resulting in Moston Lane Primary U11 boys, from Harpurhey, and Wright Robinson College U13 girls, from Gorton, emerging victorious.
The finals of the Schools Tournament featured 40 schools representing all 20 Premier League clubs in both categories, with teams drawn into four groups of five teams.
The United boys and girls each took on Sunderland, Hull, Stoke and local rivals Manchester City, sealing victories against Stoke and Hull and each achieving a draw against the Blues. Despite a fantastic effort from each team, the United reps didn’t make it through to the final stages of the competition but enjoyed the experience nonetheless:
“It was fun to play at the Etihad in front of my school friends,” said Josh Besambia, “I especially liked playing the derby match.”
Olivia Grimshaw added, “I enjoyed being at the tournament; watching all the other teams and playing against other Premier League teams was great.”
Schools representing Everton and Liverpool were crowned eventual winners of the competition. Find out more on the Premier League website.
Highlights and interviews from the 2014 Schools Tournament will be shown in the Match Of The Day Kickabout programme on CBBC Saturday 24th May at 7:30am.
View images from the local tournament and finals.