St. John’s Primary Academy and Queen Elizabeth’s High School emerged victorious against other Lincolnshire-based schools in the Utilita Kids Cup and Utilita Girls Cup.
Hosted by the Foundation, the Utilita Cup provided the opportunity for over 180 schoolchildren to showcase their football talent on the 3G pitch at the LNER Stadium.
Of the 20 schools who made the trip to the ground, St. John’s Primary Academy were the winners of the event as they overcame runners-up Ling Moor Primary school in an intense final and will now progress to the East Midlands tournament to represent the Imps.
In the equivalent girls tournament, Queen Elizabeth’s High School beat Louth Academy in a nail-biting finale - winning on penalties.
St. John’s teacher and co-team coach David Morris said: “I'm unbelievably proud, they played amazingly all tournament. If they went behind, they fought back to get that goal.
“To represent Lincoln City will be amazing for the kids and the school, and it’s the first time we’ve done so in the school’s history. It will continue to be an amazing experience.”
Tom Keenan, schools manager at the Foundation, said: “We have had a couple of great mornings with fantastic football on display. Importantly, all games were played in a positive and respectful spirit.
“It was wonderful to see so many of our partner schools represented, and to welcome new schools as well. This event is a testament to our work in primary schools and our mission to create happier, healthier, and inspired communities.”
The Utilita Kids Cup has uncovered youth talent in the past, with current professional players such as Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton being the most notable players who were discovered through the competition.
In the Utilita Girls Cup there have also been many success stories with the likes of Sam Tierney and Miri Taylor both playing in the Women’s Super League after participating when they were younger.
The Foundation's football development manager Matt Drury said: “It’s been fantastic to see so many young people participate in the Utilita Cups.
“There were some really talented players involved throughout the two days of action, including some familiar faces of players already within our football development pathway.
“It was also nice to engage with children and schools who may not have visited us before but have now enjoyed playing at the LNER Stadium and have experienced the positive approach employed by our coaches to help develop talented young footballers."
If anyone is interested in finding out more about our Girls' or Boys' Football Development pathways, or our School programme, they can email enquiries@lincolncityfoundation.co.uk.