Weymouth: Chickerell Primary School dream of Wembley

A team made up of boys from years 5 and 6 at Chickerell Primary School are ‘absolutely buzzing’ after making it through to the national stages of a school football tournament.

It means they are one step closer to walking out on to the hallowed turf, if results go their way.

What started out as a local school tournament, ran by Weymouth FC at Wey Valley School in November, could lead to the ‘small school from a small town’ making it all the way to the home of football.

Simon Broom, a teacher at the school and the boys' football coach, said: "I am so proud of everything these children have achieved in this competition.

“It's truly amazing that a small school from a small town is mixing it with the city schools."

After winning at Wey Valley, the team made it to the regional tournament held at Yeovil FC’s ground in Somerset.

The team has progressed from the regionnals held at Yeovil FC, wearing their Weymouth FC kits (Image: Chickerell Primary School)

A tough group stage saw the team progress through to play hot favourites Bath, but the team dug deep and delivered, setting up a final with Torquay.

Unfortunately, the team lost on penalties in the final, but it was still enough to have booked them a place in the next round, in Slough.

Mr Broom added: “Their resilience and determination has been utterly remarkable and undoubtedly a key factor in their progression through the rounds.

“I could not be prouder of these children and wish them every success going forwards."

teacher Simon Broom with one of the team's players (Image: Chickerell Primary School)

Progression from the next round, which will be played in March, will be tough for the team as the come up against teams from across the south of England. 

Team captain and striker, Sonny Abbott, is delighted they will have another chance to show their skills and get a chance at playing on the pitch so many football greats have graced.

He said: "I can't believe we've made it through another round, I'm absolutely buzzing. It would be amazing if we could play at Wembley." 

Whilst his team mate, defender Ben Halls, is proud of how well they have done and what it means to represent the area.

He added: "It's a great feeling knowing we've made it through to the next round. Being able to represent our school and town is a real honour.

“It would be a dream come true to make it to the final at Wembley."

The team, which is playing the under 11s National League Trust Schools Cup has had plenty of support from Weymouth FC.

The Terras had generously donated kits for the team after they won at Wey Valley and invited the boys out on to the pitch at the Bob Lucas Stadium to meet some of the players at a recent home game.