Now that the new academic year has started, July might feel like so long ago…but pupils at Park View Academy of Sport aren’t in a hurry to forget their monumental summer achievement.
And neither are we!
In July, the school was selected to represent England in the World School Football Championship in Morocco, and what an amazing tournament it was. Well done, guys and girls!
Goal orientated from the beginning
The competition, held in Rabat, Morocco, saw a delegation of the Under 18 Girls and Under 18 Boys represent England in a Schools World Cup Football event against the the familiar names of France, Brazil, and Germany, alongside other nations from all over the world, too.
Following the women’s team winning the English Schools FA Under 18 National Final (played at Stoke City’s Bet365 Stadium) last season, Park View Academy of Sport qualified to represent England.
The men’s side were also successful in being selected due to the continued success of the programme, most notably winning a national title at Doncaster Rovers’ Stadium.
This team is a keeper
Park View Academy of Sport truly made history! This event marked the first time that any school or college in England has had both its men’s and women’s team, in their entirety, selected to represent England.
This tremendous occasion really demonstrates the strength of the football programme at this establishment. Plus, the tournament was a great example of how education and cultures can come together with such positivity, thanks to the harnessing effect of sport.
Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “We are incredibly proud of Park View Academy of Sport and all the pupils and staff who contributed to this success.
“Sometimes, it can be easy to forget that education doesn’t start and finish in a classroom. The experience and skills these pupils gained during this tournament – as well as the memories they’ll cherish forever – will play a critical role in who they become as adults and what they’ll contribute to society.
“And all while having fun and practising their passion. Brilliant news!”
If you Pelé-ve it, you can do it
Understandably, Park View Academy of Sport were delighted that their school finished as the sixth best school in the world, with many notable team and individual performances that caught the eye.
Schools North East want to say a huge “congratulations” to everybody involved!
John Gamble, Head Coach at Park View Academy, said: “It was incredible to be part of this event and to go so deep into the competition filled me with pride.
“I could not be more happy with the opportunities we have managed to support over the last two years, thanks to the success of our football programme, our young people, and the staff who work with them.
“We are looking at other opportunities that have come our way as a result of this success and we can’t wait to share them with our students for 2024.”
Andy Finley, Headteacher, continued: “It was a huge honour to represent English schools at such a prestigious event and our students had an amazing experience. We were overwhelmed by the gravitas of the tournament, the amazing worldwide talent on display as well as the opportunity to meet students from a wide range of different countries and cultures. It was an amazing experience that will last a lifetime for all that took part.”
Lewis Pendleton, Director of Sport at Park View, commented: “This was an amazing opportunity for our students and something that will last in their memories for a long time. We must thank the English Schools FA for providing the opportunity for our students.
“All of this has been made possible by our amazing Women’s Academy, which we believe to be one of the largest and most successful women’s football programmes in the UK for post 16 students. Huge credit must go to the coaching team for winning the ESFA final last year which has made this all possible, and for their efforts in Morocco too, which have been unbelievable.”
The event was an example of how many opportunities come the way of Park View students as a result of their continued investment in sport.
The impact of this can be summed up best by outgoing Year 13 student, Francesca Takher, who said: “Thank you so much. Park View has made me a better person and even better footballer.
“Thank you for the opportunity to go to Morocco. It was absolutely incredible. Park View has taught me so much and it has been an amazing two years.”
Park View School is a Schools North East Partner School . If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School membership, click here.
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