A football team from Weston All Saints Primary School (WASPS) emerged triumphant at the Somerset Larger Primary Schools under 11 County Finals last week. The team of nine boys and one girl will now head into the South West regional finals to represent Somerset.
Hosted at Strode College, all 12 schools present earned their place in the county-wide contest by winning local tournaments. WASPS beat off stiff competition from 20 other schools back in November to be the BANES representative.
In near freezing temperatures, WASPS began in free-flowing form, winning the first game 4-1. Goals proved harder to find as the group stage progressed, however. Their final position hinged on the last pool match, where a late winner secured a vital three points and a place in the final four.
A highly competitive 2-1 victory in the semi-final gave WASPS the opportunity to claim the title of best primary school team in Somerset and return home with another trophy.
In the final, the team set about dismantling a strong side from Selwood Academy with the same endeavour and team spirit that has made them so competitive this year. Another solid defensive display laid the foundation for a 2-0 victory and cries of delight, from watching parents as well as players, greeted the final whistle.
“We know that we can play well as a team, but I was really shocked that we were able to win this competition,” said midfielder Theo Medlock, 10. “Our teacher, Mr Keates, has inspired us to see what we can achieve together. We are all good friends and no one is greedy – we all work for each other.”
If the team were to triumph in further phases of the competition, the prospect of a national final played on the pitch at Wembley awaits. “That would be incredible, to walk out the tunnel and see the crowd!” exclaimed winger Max Garan, 11. “But we are just focusing on the next tournament for now.”
Voted Player of the Final, Maya Sandles, 11, was the sole female in the final four teams. “It is cool to be there playing for my school, and now we get to do it for Somerset too. I think anyone that likes to play sports should just go for it – it doesn’t matter who you are. Enjoy it!”
Year 6 teacher and football coach, Mr Keates, was rightly proud of his team’s triumph. “They are so deserving of this achievement – it has all been about their spirit and togetherness. Everyone brings a unique element to the team and it works so well because they all value and support each other.”
This team ethos will be further tested next week when the side head to Huish Park, Yeovil’s home ground, for an invitational winner’s trophy event, before tackling the next leg of the national tournament with a date and venue yet to be confirmed. Regardless of the results, Somerset can be proud of the spirit and unity shown by these young WASPS as they represent the county on a wider stage.
(Photo – from left to right, back row: Mr Keates, Eddie Boyce, Theo Medlock, Max Godfrey, Evan Minto-Clarence, Louie Lloyd-Bostock. Front row: Woody Pritchard, Maya Sandles, Zachary Dixon, Felix Kershaw, Max Garan)