On a sunny Sunday at St George's Park (home to England Football teams training complex) seven Year 7 students competed in the National Football Tournament, organised by the Rotary Club.  Garstang Community Academy had won through to this final stage of the competition with a superb performance at the Regional Tournament at UCLan a few weeks before.  The competition was played on the 'David Beckham' pitch with seven group games against teams from all over England, followed by semi-finals and finals.

 

The first game nerves were apparent, but after a well taken goal from Joey Strawn the team managed a draw at 1-1.  From this, the momentum built and games two and three were won with ease 4-1 and 6-0, with strong performances from Max Cornthwaite and Will Hanson scoring top quality goals to impress the watching crowds.

After phenomenal performances in defence from Daniel Peck and George Asquith, game four finished 1-0 with a Garstang win over local rivals.  Games five and six again played out in our favour with wins of 3-0 in both games, with strong runs and crosses from Marc Taylor giving the forwards easy pickings on the attacking end.  We were against Ambleside in the semi-finals and played some of the best football - on tired legs!  With stunning shot stopping saves from Lawson Dunn, which would kick Joe hart from the England team, we won the match.  The 4-1 win against Ambleside secured a place in the final against Potters Bar.  In a very close match Garstang conceded a goal just after half time and couldn't break down the talented London team, leaving the score 1-0 to the opposing side.

As the Team Manager, I am proud of the boy's achievement, their effort on the pitch and the spirit they took into every game.  Overall, they played quality passing football and gave the crowds a team to support, due to their ability and class on the pitch.

The boys and I would like to thank the parents for travelling down and supporting us tirelessly throughout the season.  Also a big thank you to Miss Shepherd and Miss Rainbow for their support on the day too.  The boys truly had a tournament to remember, playing 9 games on the prestigious 'David Beckham' pitch and narrowly losing in the final.  Well done boys!

Rotary Club Football Tournament

Team: Joseph Strawn, Max Cornthwaite, George Asquith, Lawson Dunn, Will Hanson, Daniel Peck and Marc Taylor.

Mr Armer, Teacher of PE