15:00, 17 February 2016
| by Thomas Jones
The qualifying rounds which took place over the course of five days, saw two teams crowned finalists with Sale Grammar School representing the Under 13’s girls and Christ the King RC Primary School acting as the Under 11’s mixed team.
The final of this year’s tournament will be taking place at Goodison Park in May and will see the two sides face off against junior teams representing other Premier League clubs.
Tomi who was the star player in the Under 11’s final was pleased with his teams progress in the tournament, he said “It’s been a very difficult competition and very competitive and we’ve been fortunate and lucky to be here.”
Tomi added, “I carried out a bit of research before the tournament and knew if we’d have won today we would have gone to play at a Premier League stadium. For us it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and a privilege to go on and represent the club.”
Foundation coach, Ben Smith, who helped organise the tournament explained why the Foundation enjoys running the schools initiative, he said “We work in a lot of primary and secondary schools and the moment you mention that there’s a Premier League tournament lots of those schools are quick to sign up. Coming down to the iconic Cliff Training Ground and playing football is great for them and for us we get to see some great teams playing good football in the right spirit.”
Foundation coach Chris Bowcott explained what making the final will mean to the schools and pupils who will take part, He said “It’s a great opportunity for the students, some of them will have never been to a Premier League ground before and especially not playing on one, but to be there taking part is going to be fantastic and hopefully the teams can do well and win the competition on behalf of Manchester United.”