Young footballers from Crudgington Primary School have brought home bronze medals from the finals of a major national schools’ competition.
The Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup is the largest primary‑aged football tournament in England, involving more than 5,000 school teams and over 50,000 children. It offers pupils across the country the chance to compete, grow, and shine on the pitch.
The Crudgington team, featuring years four, five and six pupils, made it through district rounds and county finals to qualify for the national showpiece, held at Stoke City FC’s Bet365 stadium.
Headteacher Hannah Gharu said: “Reaching this stage is a remarkable accomplishment for a small village school like ours, with only 24 teams nationwide earning the honour. We are all so proud.
“The event not only showcased footballing talent but also celebrated the English Schools Football Association’s 15 benefits of schools’ football, promoting teamwork, resilience, confidence, and physical wellbeing,” Hannah added.
“Thanks to the support of the Learning Community Trust, the team and their parents and carers travelled together by coach to the stadium. Spirits were high from the moment they set off, with the boys singing football chants, and embracing the excitement of the day.”
They were joined by Hannah, head of PE Luke Thomas, and coach Tom Martin, a dedicated parent volunteer who has played a key role in supporting and developing the team.
Luke said: “It was an incredible day, and we were filled with pride even before we got to the stadium. The whole school gathered on the playground to give us a fantastic send-off; it was just so special.”
Hannah said the ‘exceptional’ bronze place finish – after a win, a draw and a defeat in their three games at the national finals – marked a significant milestone for the school and a moment the pupils will always remember.
“I cannot speak highly enough of their commitment and the positive spirit they brought to every stage of the competition. Our school community now celebrates not only their success on the pitch but also the values and friendships strengthened along the way.”
The English Schools FA, which organised the competition, said: “Reaching the National Finals is a remarkable achievement, and for many pupils, it becomes a treasured memory from their primary school years.”
