This week Ocklynge Junior School represented Eastbourne Borough Football Club at the National League Trust U11 Primary School Southern Championships held at Slough Town FC.

Both of their boys and girls teams qualified for the tournament having won our local Eastbourne tournament held at Priory Lane before Christmas, before then winning at the recent South East Championships held at Tonbridge Angels FC.

Winners of the Southern Championship would go on to play the northern winners at Wembley on FA Cup Final day during the half time interval, so there were huge prizes at stake for both of our Ocklynge teams.

Having battled through both of their groups against the best Primary school teams in the south of England the boys and girls played out two tightly fought semi finals with the girls ending up winning their third place play off and the boys making it all of the way to the final against Aldershot Town. With an incredible final ending 1-1 the match went to penalties which they narrowly lost to end an amazing day of outstanding football.

Congratulations must go to Ocklynge Junior School on representing Eastbourne Borough FC so brilliantly this season and for making history in progressing further than any of our previous sides in this annual National League Trust event.

Community Manager Tim Brown was full of praise for how well the children performed. He said: “To have both of the teams miss out on Wembley by the narrowest of margins is absolutely remarkable and so a huge thank you must go to teachers Mr Clay and Mr Piercy for their excellent coaching of their players.”

Well played, everyone!