GRANGE YEAR 8 NATIONAL FOOTBALL FINAL STUDENTS RECEIVE EXPERT COACHING TUITION

Following the fantastic achievement by our Year 8 students to reach the finals of the English Schools Football Association national competition, the team’s Manager, Mr Evans, secured a visit from Bristol Rovers player, Steve Elliott and the Head of the Bristol Rovers Centre of Excellence, Stuart Naughton, to ensure that our team received top quality coaching from the very best professionals within the local area.

This was organised as part of the build-up to the finals which are taking place on Tuesday, 18^th May at Goodison Park, home of Premier League, Everton, in which we are due to play Archbishop Beck Catholic College from Liverpool

After the players had been introduced to Steve Elliott and Stuart Naughton, Stuart began a fun-packed skills based session working on the key components of the game.  This session included a lot of ball work, shooting practices and small-sided games.  The whole team thoroughly enjoyed the session and the coaching points from Stuart provided the boys with a lot to think about ahead of their appearance in the Final.  Steve also shared his own experiences of playing in high profile matches with the squad, including the Johnstone Paint Trophy Final, so his input was very valuable.

At the end of the session, Stuart Naughton is quoted as saying that he is absolutely delighted at the success of this team, not only as they are representing Bristol and their local area, but also as five members of the team are Bristol Rovers signed Centre of Excellence players – Nick Croucher, Camen Harvey, Matt Fudge, Liam Crewe and Laurent Davis-Wilson.  It is unusual that so many of their players represent one school.  Bristol Rovers added that they would like to wish the boys every success at Goodison Park, they have the ability and spirit to be able to win!

This is the first time in Grange School history that any team has reached a national final and the excitement in school is overwhelming.  Since reaching the final, The Grange has received several sponsorship deals from local businesses, including some from ex-students.   Grange would like to take this opportunity to thank their sponsors, AXA, Harris Sports, Uhlsport, John Green.   For further information or to sponsor the team, please contact Mr Evans via email on jamese@thegrangeschool.net.