Cedarwood Primary School footballers in Kesgrave set for game on Wembley pitch
The Cedarwood Primary School EFL Kids Cup team has fended off more than 70 other teams to reach the finals at Wembley Stadium. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
A group of talented footballers from Kesgrave will experience the once-in-a-lifetime chance to play on the pitch at Wembley Stadium in May, having fended off dozens of teams in a national competition.
The team at Cedarwood Primary beat more than 20 other teams at a tournament at Portman Road to represent Ipswich. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
The English Football League (EFL) Trust each year runs the EFL Kids Cup for under 11s, with 72 teams nationwide taking part.
A six-a-side team from Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave won the opportunity to represent Ipswich in the competition after a successful qualifying tournament against other local schools last month.
From there, the eight children went on to the next tournament in Southall, London, where a strong performance winning all but one game meant they had secured a slot in the competition’s final in May – which will be played on the hallowed Wembley turf.
Rob Parker, Year 6 football coach at the school said: “The boys are over the moon – just to see their faces as they progressed was brilliant.
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“I am really proud of them and just very proud of how they have conducted themselves on and off the pitch.”
Thanks to the dedication and hard work from the team of eight – six players and two substitutes in each game – the boys will be treated to a special weekend being put up in a hotel and getting a tour of the stadium before playing their game on May 29 with a fellow finalist team from the north division.
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“We are all really proud as a school and I have heard other school teachers say what a nice bunch of lads they are,” Mr Parker said.
“After the SATs are done we will try and make it really special for them and make it a nice memory forever.
Coach Rob Parker with the Cedarwood Primary School EFL Kids Cup team. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN - Credit: Archant
“To play at Wembley is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them.”
The school first heard about the cup after witnessing Britannia Primary School win the qualifying tournament to represent Ipswich last year.
Inspired by the chance to get involved, the team quickly came together and have formed a talented squad which Mr Parker said has exceptional teamwork skills to go alongside its playing ability.
Mr Parker added that while it would be great for the team to win, the chance to play on the famous pitch was just as significant, with all of the staff proud of the team’s talents and achievements regardless.
