Just two seasons after suffering heavy defeats and finishing bottom of the league without a single win, pupils at The Bemrose Primary School are celebrating an extraordinary turnaround
Once on the receiving end of 13-0 scores, a Derby primary school football team is now finding the back of the net – and the top of the table – after learning that success comes from working together.
Just two seasons after suffering heavy defeats and finishing bottom of the league without a single win, pupils at The Bemrose Primary School are celebrating an extraordinary turnaround that has seen them crowned joint league champions and reach the Derby Schools cup final.
The seven-a-side team, made up of year five and six pupils from the school on Uttoxeter Old Road, has gone from conceding double figures in matches – including a 13-0 defeat – to becoming one of the strongest teams in the league.
Year five pupil, Matteo Danila, who has recently signed for a trial with Stoke City FC Youth Academy, said: “I love that we play football a lot more at school now, especially in our break times,
“It’s fun playing with my friends and we have a lot of laughs. It has made me friends with some of the year six students who I wouldn’t normally talk to, but now they’re my friends.
“We have so many good memories from this season, I am really looking forward to doing it all again next year.
“I also feel proud that I am doing well playing against them at lunch as they’re a bit bigger than me. But I think that is why I have become so good at it and signed with Stoke.
“I am really proud of how well our school team have done this season. I think because we are enjoying it more, we have got a lot better. We are so proud as a team that we won one league and did so well in the cup.”
To celebrate their achievements, the football squad were treated to a trip to Oxygen as a reward for their hard work, determination, teamwork and positive attitude throughout the season.
Headteacher Jason Pass, who coaches the team during lunchtime training sessions, said the focus has been on developing belief and teamwork rather than individual ability.
He said: “Over the last two seasons we have seen significant improvements in the squad,”
“I have concentrated on developing the players as a team and helping them understand what can be achieved when everyone works together rather than focusing on individual skills.
“The team are having fun now and that really shines through both on and off the pitch.
“I am particularly proud that their spirit has never faltered. Even during difficult games and challenging moments, the team genuinely believed they could succeed and we’ve seen huge improvements because of that mindset.
“This experience has helped teach the children the value of hard work, teamwork and believing in yourself and I am incredibly proud of every single one of them.”
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Sarah-Louise Elton on 01332 416228 or by email at [email protected]
