As another school year draws to a close, we reflect on what has been another successful Newport Primary Schools’ Football League. Boys and girls from 24 schools from across Newport have been participating in regular fixtures which has been a pleasure to see.

Those children who are currently in Year 6 have also been given the opportunity to create new friendships with children from other schools making their transition to secondary school that little bit easier for them.  

Despite the weather being against us for much of the season, the majority of schools managed to fulfil their fixtures and went in to the ‘End of Season Tournament’ with a great chance of winning. 

The team have had a challenging season only winning 3 out of their 6 fixtures. However, Mr Jones is extremely proud of the teams efforts, positivity and determination to improve in every match. 

The team entered the ‘End of Season League Tournament’ optimistic and excited. With a great turnout of 18 schools, the day was set to be a success. 

The tournament is an opportunity for schools to play teams from the opposing league; those they wouldn’t have otherwise played. 

With a new trophy up for grabs for the overall winning school on the day, children from all schools were eager to start the day.

St Julian’s first fixture was against a good Clytha Primary School team who came out attacking immediately. Despite their best efforts, Clytha found themselves 1-0 down after a string of passes from Oliver, Finley and Ella found their way into the path of Cody who found the back of the net. The team’s determination quickly became evident when they scored again shortly after. The first game finished 4-0 to St Julian’s.

The team’s success continued in the group stages where they went on to win all 4 matches, clinching victories over Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Teyrnon, St Woolos Primary and St. Joseph’s RC Primary. Calum and Archie, the Goal Keepers for the day, were extremely happy as they managed to keep a ‘clean sheet’ for the entire tournament. Finishing top of their group, the team had secured their place in the semi-finals for the days competition.

Just before lunch, the A League winners, Lliswerry, played the B League winners, Pentrepoeth,  in a final to determine the overall League winners. It was set to be a very entertaining match as both schools were determined to win. Both teams gave it their all and every player should feel very proud of the performance they gave in that match. Unfortunately, Lliswerry lost 2-0 meaning that Pentrepoeth were crowned the overall league winners for this season.

Having played a number of matches, the team were tired going into the semi-finals and came up against a strong Milton Primary School team. Determined to secure a place in the final, the team played their socks off giving it everything they had. After finishing 0-0, it went to penalties. With both teams still tied after 5 penalties, it went into sudden-death! Milton missed their 7th penalty meaning if Oliver was to score his penalty, St Julian’s would go through to the final…Oliver did it! 

As their confidence soared, the team were eager to start their final match of the day against Monow Primary School. It was a fantastic match that could have gone either way. Both teams had many opportunities and even hit the post on two occasions. With only minutes to go, Calum kicked the ball the length of the field and as their goalkeeper failed to catch the ball, Alfie quickly responded smashing the ball into the back of the net! The final score was 2-0 to St Julian’s Primary School meaning we had won the overall tournament. Mr Jones and Mr Jenkins are so proud of the teams performance and their behaviour throughout the day. The children represented the school brilliantly and should be proud of their achievements. 

Mr Jones would like to thank Newport Live and Accent on Education Supply Agency for their support with the league this season and for helping with the organisation of the ‘End-of Season’ tournament.

Although this season has now come to an end, the team is already talking about the next one and how they can’t wait for the league to start again. 

It will be sad to see such talented Year 6 children leave us as they move up to the comprehensive school, but exciting times await as we have some budding footballers making their way up through the school.

 I’d like to thank all the children and parents for their continued support with the league and I hope to see you cheering us on from the sideline next season!

Mr Jones & Mr Jenkins