Whilst representing Altrincham FC; Willows Primary girls are North-West Champions whilst Stamford Park boys are Champions of the North! Both teams will go on to proudly represent Altrincham FC at the National Finals in June.
The journey for both teams started at the Altrincham FC Community Sports annual winter under 11’s boys/mixed and girls’ tournaments in October. The tournaments are open to teams from all local primary schools that we currently work in delivering PE, PHSE, social action projects, lunch, after school clubs and more. Both teams were victorious at our tournaments with Heyes Lane Primary girls coming runners up.
The teams then went on to represent Altrincham FC at regional tournaments. Willows girls travelled to the Premier League Primary Stars North West tournament hosted by Liverpool FC Foundation where they lifted the trophy at Liverpool’s Academy by defeating everyone they played against including Crewe in the semi-finals after losing to them 1-0 in the group stage. Finally, after drawing in the group stages, they beat Liverpool 4-0 in the final to book their place in the National Finals.
Each year the National final is hosted by a Premier League club, this year Willows will attempt to lift the trophy and become Champions of England at Molieneux, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The girls will receive the full Premier League treatment for the day.
Stamford Park boys & Heyes Lane girls went onto The National League Trust North-West Regionals hosted by Marine FC in the Community at Crosby in Liverpool. Both teams making the North finals as runners up on the day; the boys beating Chorley 4-0 in the semis & then narrowly losing out 1-0 to Chester in the final and the girls losing to defending champions AFC Fylde in the final.
Both teams then made the journey to the National League Trust North Finals, hosted by York City FC. The winners of the tournament would go onto play the South Final winners at Wembley Stadium! Heyes Lane girls put up a battling performance against an AFC Fylde team, who were now undefeated in eight National League Trust tournaments, unfortunately they bowed out at the semi-final stage.
Stamford Park boys went on to be crowed North Champions after beating the Chester team they previously played at Marine 3-0 on their way to the semi-final where they pulled off a 2-1 win vs Darlington sending them to the final. Stamford Park lifted the North trophy and secured their place in the final at Wembley after defeating Scunthorpe 1-0.
Everyone at Altrincham FC Community Sports & Altrincham FC wishes both teams the best of luck!
“We are so proud of the children from Stamford Park Primary School & Willows Primary School. They represented Altrincham FC & Altrincham FC Community Sports in the most fantastic way, showing unbelievable skill and determination to reach the National Finals of their respective competitions. We are planning some very special activities to recognise both teams achievements that will also help them prepare for their National Finals. Come on Alty!!!” – Simon Dow, Altrincham FC Head of Community
"Seeing our football team win isn't just about the score; it's about the heart, discipline and teamwork these pupils have shown! The whole school community will be supporting them at Wembley and we're all incredibly excited!" – Sarah Price, Headteacher at Stamford Park Primary School.