Churchill Community College has put North East England on the world map after storming to glory at the World Schools Games Football Cup in Barcelona.
52 students made the journey from Wallsend to Barcelona to compete in the football tournament last month, donning their now-famous pink kits across three days of competition in the search for success on the world stage.
Competing as five teams, the talented students from year 8 through to year 10 took on teams from 22 countries. And success wasn’t far away as the school returned to England with two trophies in tow.
Thanks to brilliant teamwork and 17 goals in 7 games for the team’s captain, Churchill’s under 13 girls team channelled their inner Lionesses and stormed to victory in the final with an 8-nil win and were crowned plate champions.
The second trophy wasn’t too far away and following a tense penalty shootout, Churchill’s under 13 united team held their nerve to win it at the death and be crowned plate champions 2023.
Three other teams competed in the competition, each battling their way through to the rounds and narrowly missing out on the top spots:
- Churchill’s under 13 city finished in 6th place, scoring incredible individual goals and producing defensive masterclasses to get there.
- Churchill’s under 15 girls narrowly missed out in their final game on penalties but showed power and determination in the competition.
- Churchill’s under 15 boys made it to the finals but a late goal saw the team finish proudly in 4th place.
Karl Barry who led the trip to Barcelona for Churchill Community College has praised the teams’, he said: “I want to say a huge well done to all students involved who showed passion, skill and resilience in each of their games.
“Each team came home with their heads held high having made new friends from around the world and made memories to last a lifetime.
“None of this would have been possible without the hours of training they all put in prior to the tournament and the incredible support of their friends, families, and teachers both before and during the event.
“We’ve really put North Tyneside on the map and that’s something we’re very proud of.”
The World Schools Football Cup 2023 took place in Barcelona, Spain between 13-15 October.