Strand are Borough Football Champions

Last Friday we took the Girl's Yr 3 and 4 football team to Gunnersbury Sports Hub to compete in the borough finals. The girls were raring to go but were drawn in a very tough qualifying group with some very strong schools. First up was Southville who had won the Girls Yr 5 and 6 event previously this year. A tough 1-0 victory was earnt here. Next (on paper) was a tricky fixture against The Blue School's 'A' Team. Strand scored 7 to ease the win! Another two wins in the group stage meant that qualification to the knock out stage was guaranteed. So far so good for the girls. Southville's 'B' team were next in the quarter final. 1-0 to Strand again! In an odd quirk of the tournament planning, we now faced Southville's 'A' team again in the semi final - and in another tough game we secured a 1-0 win. In the final game, played with parents, scouts and coaches watching on eagerly, Strand found themselves one match from the elusive title of Borough Champions. Here Crane Park stood in our way and an incredibly impressive performance from all involved ensured that the 1 goal scored in the match was ours and brought overall victory for the team! What superb record of played 7, won 7; scored 18 conceded 0! Well Done to Alice, Jasmine, Liza, Isla, Masoomeh, Betsy and Eva!!!

Sadly Mr Ingram, who has coached the team, wasn’t in assembly on Monday as he was away at Ringsfield but he sent this message to be read out in assembly …… “I had no doubt in my mind that the girls would perform brilliantly at the tournament. The girls have shown unbelievable commitment towards all the training we’ve been doing since September. When we include squad development, Friday morning training and after school club, in total, the girls have racked up a huge 224 hours collectively of football training. Top 3 trainers would be Masoomeh 52 hours, Betsy 50 and Eva 43. 4 out of 7 of these girls had never really played football before this year and are now champions of Hounslow! This just proves if there’s anyone in this room who wants to be amazing at something like these girls are, all it takes is hard work, and sticking to it... for at least 224 hours.”

Pay attention all you budding athletes – all it takes is practice and commitment – a Strand Value I believe! Watch out for the next fixture – London Youth Games here we come!