Oakwood Junior School’s Under 11s girls’ football team is heading to the ground of a premier league team on Thursday to take part in the Premier League Primary Stars Under 11s Girls Cup competition.
The team will represent Derby County in the event at Brentford FC’s Gtech Stadium and it is the first time the city has a had a team get this far in this tournament.
Alan Higgins is PE teacher at Oakwood Junior School which was one of the first schools in the county to have a girls’ football team. He said: “This truly is historic, and it is so wonderful for the girls to get this experience which will stay with them forever.”
Millie, 11, said she was excited about the tournament but said what she loves most about playing football is the progression.
“I really like watching myself progress and seeing the difference and improvement from one training session and match to the next,” she said. Her footballing skills were spotted by Mr Higgins during a netball session when she dropped the ball and started kicking it. He helped her to join Shardlow FC, where she still plays while also playing for Aston Villa academy.
Millie, and the other girls in the team, who all play for clubs outside of school, are never happier than when they have the ball at their feet.
Team mate Phoebe, 10, said: “I just really enjoy playing and having fun so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The school has had to raise more than £2,500 to pay for tracksuits for the team, as well as pay for a hotel to stay in the night before the tournament, which kicks off at 9.30am.
Teacher Josh Seaman, who has coached the team with Mr Higgins and co-ordinated the fundraising, said: “Derby County Community Trust have been really helpful in raising funds. They ran a penalty shoot-out with prizes and helped us run a really big football fayre at the school which was exciting. After that, the girls and I did some fundraising activities after school, including a girls versus boys football match which some of the teachers took part in. In total we have raised more than £2,500.”
The money means the girls can have proper team tracksuits, something other teams had at the regional finals in March, as well as stay at a hotel with their parents the night before, ready for the early kick off on Thursday morning.
Jack Southwart, Physical Education and Schools Lead at Derby County Community Trust, said: “Derby County Community Trust have been working closely with Oakwood Junior School throughout their journey to the national finals.
“The girls attended the local qualifier on January 18 at Lees Brook School. The team went undefeated and won the local competition. Subsequently, Oakwood Juniors represented Derby County at the regional round, which we hosted at Derby County’s training ground in March. The team did not concede throughout the group stages and semi-finals, and finished as runners up, losing narrowly in the final.
“Following qualifying for the national finals, Derby County Community Trust helped organise a fundraising penalty shoot-out, as well as Ewie attending the Football Fayre to raise funds and celebrate girls’ football.
“We wish Oakwood Juniors the best of luck at the national finals, we are sure they will do Derby County proud!”
Head teacher Mrs Atwal said: “I’m extremely proud of the girls and the journey they have been on to get to this point. It really is a historical event for Derby City and Oakwood Junior School.” She also thanked the staff, Mr Seaman and Mr Higgins for their relentless efforts in preparing the team. “The girls will never forget this opportunity and neither will the school community,” she added.
And while the girls are currently focused on their own tournament ahead of them, they are also looking forward to supporting their national team during the Euros which kicks off the following day.
Bethany, 11, said: “We’re all really looking forward to the Euros. A lot of us have got the sticker books and will be following the matches.”
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For more information email kirsty@penguinpr.co.uk or call 07970627385.
Photo shows
L-R, Mr Seaman, Erin, Ellie, Millie, Adalene, Faith, Bethany, Phoebe and Mr Higgins.
