Wednesday the 30th of November 2016 was the date to see who could get their name on the shield at this year’s Football Schools Competition.
Plans were made difficult when the organised venue was flooded with less than a week to go, so we worked hard to avoid calling the day off and shifted to Stockport Academy. 11 teams from 7 schools attended, with a big congratulations to Greenbank Preparatory who came out top.
Teams were split into 3 groups to play a league format before the knockout round, the draw for which was published on LSC Facebook page!
| Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 |
| St James’ (Rusholme) | St Mary’s (Levenshulme) Blues | St Catherines (Didsbury) Reds |
| Pownall Green (Bramhall) Yellows | St Chrysostom’s CofE (Chorlton) | St Mary’s (Levenshulme) Whites |
| Longsight CP (Longsight) Whites | Pownall Green (Bramhall) Blacks | Longsight CP (Longsight) Blues |
| St Catherines (Didsbury) Yellows | Greenbank Preparatory (Cheadle Hulme) |
Group games came thick and fast as we saw teams compete fairly but fiercely in every match. The 5 a side format was working well on the size of the pitches and goals, which meant just the right amount of space to play in and plenty of chances to score. Group winners were St Chrysostom’s, St James’ & St Mary’s Whites.
The knockout stages saw slightly longer games but teams were still playing with bags of energy and determination. Teams were permitted a squad size of 8 which meant quick substitutions during dead balls, and rotation of squad in different games was vital. This was also the time for the goalkeepers to be called on, with several brilliant saves leading to comments from onlookers at the quality of shot stopping (not to mention the kit colours!).
The previously mentioned group winners didn’t make it any further than the semi finals though, the final being competed by St Mary’s Blues and Greenbank. All attention was now focussed on pitch 1 as St Mary’s started well and grabbed the first goal. Greenbank were not done there though and equalised with virtually the last kick of the game, penalties!
It was straight to sudden death which Greenbank dramatically won 3-2 to collect their winners medals! Congratulations to finalists St Mary’s who came so close, and of course to Greenbank.
We had positive feedback from pupils, staff and parents who attended and can’t wait for the next year’s Competition to see if Greenbank can retain the shield! Look for more pictures and videos on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
In the meantime we’re focusing on the Badminton Schools Competition on the 1st of February 2017 at Levenshulme High School. Look out for the invite and RSVP slip on email, which will contain all the details.
