We are the champions!
Talented girls returned to the Academy triumphant after winning the County Futsal championship.
PE staff Mr Prendergast and Miss Wright with the squad (left to right, back row) Katie Smith, Ella Hudson, Jazmine Botterill, Rosie Lee, Charley Burton and (front) Maddi Smith, Libby Hudson, Abi Coley and Jessica Pickard.
The nine-strong under-16 squad beat strong opponents from across Lincolnshire in the tournament at the University of Lincoln.
The girls had earned their place in the county finals, like the other teams, by winning their district title.
Futsal is played between two teams who have five players on the pitch at any one time, with rolling substitutes and a smaller ball than football that is harder and less bouncy.
Our girls topped their group after beating The Priory Academy LSST 1-0 and drawing 2-2 with Priory Ruskin and 0-0 with Skegness Grammar.
They went on to face Barnes Wallis Academy in the final after it had triumphed over Branston Community Academy, Bourne Grammar and Louth’s King Edward VI Grammar, who got its place in the final after being runners-up to ourselves in the district competition.
The girls, with Curriculum Leader for PE Chris Prendergast and PE teacher and Head of House Amie Wright watching from the sidelines, won a competitive final 3-1.
Captain Abi Coley ended up top scorer and was named Player of the Tournament. She was “over the moon.”
“It really does mean the world to win something as big as this with this team after nearly five years of trying and working hard to get to this point,” she said.
“I am so glad we have been able to do Mr Prendergast and Miss Wright proud and it has felt like a long time coming.
“As captain, I feel so proud to be part of this team as I feel like no other team could be as collective and hard working as this one.”
Chris said the girls had had a lot of previous success over five years at Somercotes Academy and won the District Futsal competition on a number of occasions.
“COVID interruptions and other reasons meant the girls have not had an opportunity to showcase their talents at County level until this point,” he said.
“The girls were determined to sign off in style. They put so much hard work and effort into winning the trophy. They deserved it.”
Principal Frances Green congratulated the team and PE department.
“We have had some fantastic sporting successes recently,” she said. “I am really proud of the girls and their achievement at County level.
“We are a small Academy that is punching above its weight in PE.”
The girls celebrate their triumph (left to right, back row) Katie Smith, Ella Hudson, Jazmine Botterill, Rosie Lee, Charley Burton and (front) Maddi Smith, Libby Hudson, Abi Coley and Jessica Pickard.
Last term, four of the Futsal team winners - Rosie Lee, Maddi Smith, Ella Hudson and Libby Hudson - were handed a young changemakers’ character and leadership award from the Youth Sport Trust.
This academic year, the Academy has won The Grimsby and Wolds Inclusive Panathlon event, Key Stage 4 Girls Badminton Wolds District tournament, Key Stage 3 Girls Badminton Wolds District tournament, and Year 9 Rugby Sevens Coastal and Wolds tournament.
They have finished runners up in the Year 10 Football Wolds League, Year 10 Netball Wolds league, Years 7, 9, 10, and 11 Boys Futsal, Year 9 Girls Futsal, and Key Stage 4 Boys Badminton Wolds District tournament.
Chris said: “This success has been a result of the continued commitment to extra-curricular activities on offer at Somercotes Academy and record number of students attending these on a weekly basis.
“This links to the PE department’s intent of driving participation for all students by promoting the importance of PE and Sport.
“It promotes long term healthy lifestyles, making a positive impact on physical, mental and social health, through instilling a love for lifelong participation of physical activity.”
