'I’m so proud of my granddaughter' - Anne Nolan bursting with pride as school team reach national finals
A Blackpool primary school is celebrating a remarkable run of success after its girls’ football team clinched a historic county title before going on to dominate local competition and book a place on a national stage.
The girls’ football team at St John Vianney RC Primary School have made history after securing the school’s first-ever Lancashire Finals title.
Among those celebrating their success is singer Anne Nolan, of course of the Nolans fame, whose granddaughter Nevaeh Palmer captains the side.
Anne said: “We never expected them to get this far, to be honest. It’s just a little primary school in Blackpool, and now they’re going on to the national finals representing the north of England - it’s a massive thing for the children and the school.
“They actually came second in the regional finals and now they’ll be playing at Stoke City’s ground, which is incredible.
“My granddaughter Nevaeh is the captain and sports captain at the school, but it’s really about the whole team. Some of the girls play regularly, but one of them had never played football before, so what they’ve achieved together is amazing.
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The talented squad triumphed at the Lancashire Girls County Primary Football Final held at Poolfoot Farm in Fleetwood, they faced top teams from across the county.
In a standout display, the SJV girls played 11 matches winning 10 and conceding just two goals throughout the entire tournament.
Their success did not stop there. Just days later, the same group of players went on to win the Blackpool FC Community Trust’s Premier League Primary Stars Under 11 Girls Tournament, overcoming 19 other teams from across the Fylde Coast.
The victory earned them the chance to play at Everton’s former ground, Goodison Park before progressing even further.
Anne Nolan, said: “I’ve always been a big football fan – my husband was an ex-Blackpool player – and football really runs in the family. Nevaeh absolutely loves it. She had to choose between dancing and football and she chose football, and she’s doing brilliantly.
“She’s had scouts watching her and has had some great feedback, but for me it’s about all the girls. They’ve done so well as a team.
“It’s such a big achievement for a small school. I actually work there as well, and my daughter teaches there, so it means a lot to all of us - the children, the staff and the parents. It’s just lovely to see them getting the recognition they deserve.”
The team has since gone on to reach the national finals, where they will represent the north of England at Stoke City’s stadium - a remarkable achievement for a small primary school.
Anne Nolan, whose granddaughter Nevaeh Palmer plays emphasised the collective effort, noting that while some players have club experience, others are new to the sport - making their accomplishments even more impressive.