On the 8th of February 2024, the U11 A-team visited St. John’s school for the ISA qualifiers 5-a-side football tournament. In the groups stage we faced some good teams but managed to remain unbeaten throughout. After a tricky group stage, we finished third in our group. But due to the departure of Coopersale Hall School, we were promoted to second meaning we would qualified for the cup.
In the round of 16, we played St John’s School and managed a 2-0 win in which Keerit and Rire scoredspectacular goals! Because of this we went through to the quarter-finals. We knew that we were facing the hardest team we’d played, so we tried our best and did well.
At first, we were securing a draw and keeping a clean sheet until they unfortunately scored a goal just inside our box. At kick off, we played to Rire who dribbled with speed around their players. Once near the box, he squared the ball to me and I shot the ball into the bottom corner and equalised. No goals were scored after this, meaning it would immediately go to penalties. Rire, Elyjah and I were chosen to take penalties. Rire went first, bravely stepping up to take his penalty. As he walked up, we knew he was going to score and he did! He gracefully slotted it into the bottom right corner! Now all we needed was for Mannat to save the next penalty, and we’d be through!
As Mannat got in goal, the boy stepped up and hit the ball with power. And with an amazing save, Mannat had sent us through to the semi’s. After shaking hands with all the players, we were told that all four remaining teams would qualify for the national finals at St. George’s Park!
By Easton, 6NH
Categories: Sport
