On Tuesday, a squad of eight Y5 boys competed in an inter-school football tournament at Springs Academy, facing teams from four other schools. In their opening match, our team was held to a 0–0 draw, with both sides creating chances but unable to break the deadlock. The second match followed a similar pattern, full of energetic attacking play and resolute defending, yet again ending goalless.
Frustrated but determined, the team regrouped during the break. In a huddle, they spoke with passion and belief, convinced that the next match would be the one where the goals would come...
Having returned to the pitch with a renewed focus they quickly took a 1–0 lead through a superbly taken goal by Dylan. As the opposition tightened defensively, our players remained patient and persistent. Their resolve paid off when Dylan struck again with a superb finish from the right, rifling the ball into the far corner. Ewan then reacted quickest to a rebound, calmly powering home to extend the lead. Victory was finally sealed at 4–0 when Dylan completed his hat-trick with another clinical finish.
The match also featured several outstanding saves from our goalie, Max, ensuring that clean sheet was maintained.
Following a quick turnaround, the fourth match presented another tough challenge...
Once again, our team rose to the occasion, with strong a defence provided by Edwin and Eliel; excellent goalkeeping from Max; and impressive control of the midfield ensured by Ewan and Noah combined to provide the perfect platform for a number of attacking threats to be made by Dylan, Freddie and Josh.
With the necessary space created, Dylan struck twice more to secure a deserved 2–0 victory against worth opposition.
This triumph marked a third straight tournament win for SJF footballers, following the recent successes of the Y5/Y6 and the girls’ team and the Y6 boys' team.
All three teams have now progressed to Sheffield-wide finals, where they will compete against other locality tournament winners for a place in the South Yorkshire finals.
Huge congratulations to our players, and sincere thanks to the organisers and hosts. We are also grateful to our coach, Mr Murphy for providing our children with these opportunities and for his dedication in preparing them, as well as Mr Pursehouse, who is one of our parents who also serves as our Vice-Chair of Governors, for his tremendous support too.
Across all three tournaments, the conduct of our St John Fisher players has been exemplary. Their determination, teamwork and manners have been evident throughout - as has been their sheer joy at just being involved!
