After hosting the regional qualifiers finishing runners-up in the tournament made up of 25 teams, and receiving a letter from The Rt Hon Theresa May MP congratulating them on this achievement as the first team to qualify for the tournament in the history of Claires Court, the boys couldn’t wait to get playing.

Competing in 10 matches in a day over the course of six hours was going to be a test of endurance and to progress, the boys had to play to their best. They did. Coming back from a 0-3 defeat in the first game against Hale Prep School, the Claires Court boys then won their games against Rosemead Prep School 2-1, Hull Collegiate School 2-1 and Copthill School 1-0 to finish a close third in their group of seven teams to qualify for the Plate Competition.

It was in the second round of group matches that the boys dug deep and played their best football winning 2-0 against both Trinity School, Teignmouth, and Finborough School. In topping Group 1, the team qualified to play the winners of Group 2.

The Plate Final was against old foes, HawleyHouse School, who Claires Court U11 boys lost 5-7 on penalties to in the regional qualifiers, following a 0-0 draw.

Determined to make a comeback from earlier in the month, the boys played fine flowing football in a thrilling final. Billy Ray’s determination at the back, Jamie Smith’s point blank saves, Finn Keylock’s two assists and Prabhan Kang’s brace saw Claires Court lift the plate winning 2-1.

Edward Barber, Claires Court PE teacher, said:

“It was a real team effort with all eight players playing at least nine games each. The boys were excellent ambassadors for the school, earning compliments and making many friends during the day. The team are proving unbeatable for many school teams, as they also won the U11 Dair House Football Tournament on Wednesday 21 March. A very well done goes to the invincible team, Prabhan Kang (captain), Jamie Smith, Billy Ray, Alastair Dunning, Oscar Helm, Dylan Bridges, James Binks and Finn Keylock.”