Leechpool girls win Premier League tournament for Albion
A team of girls from Leechpool Primary School lifted the trophy at a Premier League schools tournament while representing the Albion.
Leechpool Primary School, in Horsham, came through local and regional qualifiers for the chance to represent the Albion at a national tournament hosted at Wolves’ Molineux Stadium.
They beat a school representing Chelsea in the final to lift the trophy, getting the chance to taste life as a footballer on a Premier League pitch.
Hundreds of young people from across England and Wales had the chance to play at the tournament, which was part of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme for primary school pupils.
The pupils all had the chance to wear first-team kit, play in matches officiated by top-flight referees, and compete on a Premier League pitch.
“When we won I couldn’t really think, I was just celebrating so much. I was so happy,” said Lola, Leechpool Primary School captain.
“Playing at a Premier League stadium is quite nerve-wracking but I feel like a professional footballer, it’s really fun. Not many people get this opportunity.
“I have learned so much from playing in this tournament. I have seen so many good players, they are all so skilful. Having a tournament like this has made us feel really confident that we can do something like this again.
“Winning here just means so much. It shows what a team we are, how long we’ve played together and how hard we’ve tried.”
The Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament is one of the competition elements of the Premier League Primary Stars education programme and involves thousands of children taking part in numerous regional tournaments for the right to represent their local club.
Funded by the Premier League, through the Premier League Foundation, Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.
Premier League Foundation Chief Executive Alex White said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for children to enjoy their own Premier League matchday experience.
“We hope that everyone who took part at Molineux had a brilliant time playing competitive football, connecting with teams from across the country and building friendships while creating lasting memories.”
Premier League Primary Stars is the Premier League’s primary school education programme that supports children to learn through the power of football in more than 19,000 primary schools across England and Wales.