Spectacular sportsmanship at secondary football tournament held at The Nest

This week on Tuesday and Wednesday, all nine Inspiration Trust secondary schools descended on The Nest, just north of Norwich. Tuesday saw the Year 7’s and 9’s take to the pitch and on Wednesday it was the turn of the Year 8’s and 10’s. 36 teams competed each day, totalling 72 teams competing across both days of the tournament. 

Awesome sportsmanship was on display at the stunning venue of The Nest, students were consistently trying their best and supporting other players both on their own teams and others as they were spectating. The Nest gave our students a great opportunity to play on state-of-the-art pitches with both 3G and grass pitches in use throughout the two days. 

Our Inspiration Trust players all showed a high level of professionalism on the pitches and gave their all, playing with determination up to the final whistle of their matches. 10-minute matches led to fast-paced action on the pitches and scorelines being decided in the final moments of each match. 

Over the two days there was lots of action on the pitches with 288 matches played in total, the Round-robin competition made sure all schools had a chance to play each other each day. The matches were refereed by Norfolk FA qualified referees with support from sports leaders from Thomas Paine Sixth Form and King Edward VII Academy. 

Trust Sports Coordinator, Paul Wayman said: 

“What an incredible event to be a part of! Seeing the students faces displaying both determination and smiles of enjoyment was infectious around the 8 pitches that we had running simultaneously. The buzz and the atmosphere created was palpable.

 

I would like to send a huge thanks to the staff at The Nest. Not only is it a modern and fantastic football venue, but the staff also went above and beyond to ensure that the Inspiration Trust students had a brilliant experience! One of our students described the feeling as similar to when you arrive at a sunny, holiday destination. 

 

Once again, it is a pleasure to work with talented people from across the Trust to enable young people to participate in sport and lead in a variety of roles. A special mention must go out to our Norfolk FA referees: S. Johnson, B. Miller, J. Sutherland, C. Brown & P. Reynolds who were supported by our Trust sixth form leaders from King Edward VII & Thomas Paine. Without this support, the days could not run as smoothly as they did.” 

Referees commented:

"It was a pleasure to be involved in the refereeing side of the tournament. I personally noted a lot of talent but more importantly enjoyment and big smiles. To me, enjoyment and smile hits home how important football means to a lot of young people."

 

"I really enjoyed both days and it was great to see the kids really getting into the tournament and above all having fun. From my perspective, it ran like clockwork which is a credit to you and your team - clearly a lot of preparation had been put in. No negatives from me at all. And a mention for the kids and their behaviour/respect both to me as ref and to each other - it was first class and a credit to themselves and the Trust."

 

"Had a great time meeting and talking to some amazing young girls and boys. It was very well organized and very well-run tournament it would be a honor and pleasure to help again."

Students were eager to check their results throughout both days and took that knowledge into the final matches of each day. Standout performances from players of the tournament led to comebacks in key matches, securing last-minute victories for their teams. 

A huge thank you and congratulations to all staff and students that took part in both days of the event. 

Overall results:

Players of the tournament: