Stockport primary school nets major win in football tournament

Hursthead Junior school Year 5/6 Girls' Football team won a fiercely contested qualifying tournament at Manchester City's Academy to represent Manchester City at the Premier League Primary Stars (PLPS) National Event that takes place next week.

The team will head to the National event at Elland Road, home of Leeds United, on Tuesday, June 6 and play in the Manchester City football kit.

The team will step onto the pitch with 19 other Premier League teams from across the country to compete for the chance to be crowned champions.

In February teams from around Greater Manchester took part in City in the Communities' (CITC) PLPS qualifiers tournament. The tournament lasted four days, and 80 teams from 49 schools across Greater Manchester fiercely competed to represent Manchester City at the finals, with Hursthead Junior School coming out on top.

Andrew Foden, PE Coordinator and Level 1 FA Coach at Hursthead Junior School said: "The team have gone from strength to strength and support each other so well. Their commitment and teamwork are unbelievable and they never give up – as was highlighted during the semi-final when they went one nil down and had to fight back and then hold their nerve and composure in a penalty shootout.

"We are really looking forward to representing the Premier League champions in this prestigious event and it has inspired so many other girls back at school to join the club and fall in love with the sport!"

CITC's PLPS programme is delivered to five to 11-year-olds across Greater Manchester, with the aim of upskilling teachers around delivering PE and school sports. Sitting under the charity's 'Healthy People' pillar, CITC PLPS coaches work with pupils to help enhance their physical and social development. The programme places physical and mental health at its core while creating healthy futures and communities.

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, at Stockport Council, added: "Congratulations and good luck to the girls, their success highlights how we are working hard to improve access to football in the school setting. We are delighted that they will be representing Stockport and Manchester City at the National event.”