By Maebel F and Isabella WF

On Thursday the 9th March half of the Year 7 football term and half of the Year 8 football team competed at the first U13 GDST football rally. We all tried our hardest to represent our school in the best possible way, hoping to improve and to have fun; however, winning doesn’t hurt.

Our first group match ended 1-0 to us against Norwich, but at the end of the second match we ended up 0-1 down against Streatham & Clapham. Our spirits were still high and we won 2-0 against Newcastle. In our last group match we won 1-0 again against Northampton. Then we beat Belvedere Academy and Shrewsbury to finish top of our group! None of us were expecting us to even get to the next round, so we were already so proud of ourselves!

We were ecstatic to get into the quarter finals, and won this time around against Streatham & Clapham. The semi final was against Newcastle and it was very tight, but in the last five minutes Sophia, our top goal scorer, scored yet again! We made it through to the final, it was crazy – we were all screaming and shouting! We were going to place either first or second, it was insane!

In the final we were playing Northwood, and we were all very nervous as we had gotten this far. But as we started playing, we all became calmer. Yet again, our top goal scorer Sophia, scored and gave us a lead of 1 – 0.  As soon as that final whistle went off, we all burst out in happiness and endless screaming. Knowing that we won the first U13 GDST Rally for football ever, sparked joy and excitement as we were the best football team throughout all the GDST schools – what a privilege!

Forgetting about the long drive to the tournament, we all really enjoyed ourselves, and found it a good opportunity to improve as a team. As it was seen to rain most of the day, Mr Henderson thankfully brought a gazebo, keeping our bags clean and (mostly) dry.