RGS Worcester,The Grange – We are the champions!
09 May 2013
Following a stunning sequence of performances, a Worcester school has been crowned National Champions after winning the Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) U11 Finals.
The team from RGS The Grange travelled to the inaugural finals of the tournament, held at the magnificent St. George’s Park National Football Centre, as Midland Champions.
In the group phase The Grange faced Wellingborough Prep, Holmewood House, The Hawthorns, Milton Keynes Prep and St. Martins, but the side maintained its record from the Midland Championships of not conceding a goal, to qualify for the latter stages of the competition.
In the quarter-final the team faced Forest School (London), where a well-controlled 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Tom Godwin and Brandon Sarfo saw the side through. It was Sarfo who continued the team’s momentum in the semi-final with a goal after 12 seconds against Bolton School. But after a late equaliser, the game went to a penalty shoot-out, where The Grange eventually saw off their opposition in sudden death.
In the final St. Edmund’s (Hertfordshire) and The Grange played out another entertaining match, with the Worcester side looking in charge, before taking a first-half lead through a Rees Bonham, which they held to the final whistle.
The team, who gained plaudits throughout the day for their impressive style of play, had the honour of becoming the Independent Schools National Champions and the first holders of the beautiful trophy that was presented to them by Les Howie, Head of Grassroots Coaching at The Football Association.
Caption: L-R (Back): Mr James Hodgkins (Coach), Alex Peake, Seb Thompson, Sam Chamberlain, Rees Bonham, Tom Godwin, Mr Roger Scase (Coach).
(Front): Joshua Wares, Luke Allen, Brandon Sarfo, Finley Chance, Ben Pinner.