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Champions crowned: Girls’ football team triumphs in National Cup final!

As the 23/24 football season comes to an end, don’t be too disappointed if your favourite team didn’t finish where you hoped they would…

A local U16 girls team has just won the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) National Cup, which is brilliant news and should soften any sorrow!

Pupils from St. Bede’s Catholic School and Byron Sixth Form College (part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust), beat Woking’s Fullbrook School 2-1 after a nerve-wracking final.

Yep, that means bringing the cup back to the North East! Amazing effort, girls – someone had to do it.

The comeback is always greater than the setback

A magnificent game needs a magnificent venue, which is why the match was played at the Bet365 Stadium, the home of Championship club Stoke City FC.

The St Bede’s girls fell behind in the 10th minute, but they didn’t let that stop them! They rallied together to fight back, and goals from Teigan Wilson and Ellen Atkinson, at either side of halftime, wrapped up a deserved victory. 

At the other end of the pitch, the St Bede’s defence and goalkeeper put their bodies on the line to stop Fullbrook equalising late in the game. And it paid off! 

Dominant midfielder Daisy Clarke was named ‘Player of the Match’ after a superb display in the middle of the park. 

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Congratulations to the fantastic girls’ football team on their outstanding victory! Your hard work, dedication, and teamwork have truly paid off, and your triumph is a testament to the power of perseverance. Keep shining on and off the pitch.”

A tremendous 36 goals in eight games

Shortly after the final whistle, inspirational team captain Eva Mysleyko remarked: “Just look at the scenes, look at the celebrations. We’ve all worked so hard for this, and the girls have all been amazing.”

The team have shown impeccable form during the cup run, scoring a hugely impressive 36 goals in eight games, whilst only conceding seven. 

Reflecting on the occasion, Team Manager Michael Eggleston said: “This is the culmination of five years of hard work for the girls. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but from day one I knew this was a special group and their dedication has brought them the ultimate reward in school football.

“The buzz around the school has been incredible since the game, it’s given everyone a huge boost. Hopefully this can inspire other pupils to go out and achieve their goals, no matter what they may be.”

A massive congratulations from Schools North East to the entire talented squad:  Eve Antliff, Ellen Marie Atkinson, Olivia Barkess, Sami Boardman, Victoria Chester, Daisy May Clarke, Neve Clark, Elise Embleton, Amy Howarth, Eva Mysleyko, Molly Smart, Lucy Sproat, Eve Webster, and Teigan Wilson.

Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School Programme click here.

We love to hear good news from North East Schools, to share your news with Schools North East please tag @SchoolsNE on Twitter or fill in this short form.

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