Highfield are high-flyers in national football tournament

A team from Highfield Leadership Academy came runners-up in a national girls’ football competition run by Tauheedul Education Trust.

Year 7 and 8 pupils from the South Shore school travelled to Manchester City FC’s City Football Academy for the competition.

The 90 pupils from nine TET schools across the UK enjoyed a day of football in a friendly, competitive environment.

The event was a celebration of the Trust’s designation as an FA Girls’ Football Hub and the positive impact of this on female pupils, who have received football coaching and developed their skills.

After winning through a league-style competition, the girls from Highfield took on Bradford’s Laisterdyke Leadership Academy in the final.

Both teams played well in a tense game that went to extra-time, with the Bradford school taking a 2-1 victory.

Former Everton FC and England goalkeeper Rachel Brown-Finnis presented all pupils with their certificates of participation, with medals for the Highfield team. Rachel also shared words of encouragement and inspiration with the young players.

Highfield captain Izzy Chaucer said: “I had a great time at Manchester City and all the girls played really well. We were really happy to make it to the final on our very first competition. It was good to tour the Etihad Stadium too and see where all the top players sit in their changing room.”