Codsall Middle School proved they were right on the spot when representing Wolves Foundation to win the Premier League Primary Stars national tournament at Molineux.
The Year 5/6 team, playing in the mixed event, came through their group and the knockout stages to face Chelsea in the final, eventually prevailing on penalties after the teams could not be separated during normal time.
The tournament, featuring a mixed and girls team representing each Premier League club charity, and another girls’ competition the following day, was staged at Molineux for the second successive year, seeing hundreds of young people from England and Wales descending on the stadium to savour the experience of a lifetime.
The winning Codsall team was made up of Edward, Freddy, Charlie, Jasper, Archie, Maxwell and Will.
“As a PE department and a school, we are so incredibly proud of our Year 5/6 Boys who were crowned Premier League Primary Stars winners,” said Mr Tatton, PE teacher at Codsall Middle.
“A team of Wolves supporters who are proud to represent the club and, most importantly, a brilliant group of hard working and determined boys.
“Every player deserves so much praise and I hope this memory of lifting a Premier League title for Wolves is something that will last a lifetime.
“Winning the final on penalties shows so much resilience – all the boys had to take one and that takes a lot of heart and courage.
“Edward (our goalkeeper) really rose to the occasion and I honestly think the team were more cool and calm than the PE department watching on!”
“I am feeling incredible and over the moon,” said Edward afterwards.
“In the penalty shootout I was trying my best, and when I missed my penalty, I missed, but still had the belief I could keep my team in it, and I did.
“The moment when we won, there are no words to describe how I was feeling.
“We missed penalties and they missed penalties, it was so intense.
“It’s a dream playing for Wolves at this stadium. Some of the best players in the world have stepped onto this pitch and now I am playing on it, which is amazing.
“It’s been an unbelievable day and I’ll never forget it.”
Watching on as Codsall lifted the trophy were both men’s first team striker Mateus Mane, women’s team captain and Wolves Foundation ambassador Anna Morphet, and social media star Jelani.
“I am really happy seeing children playing where I play every week,” said Mane.
“Tournaments like this make me think about the events I was involved in when I was younger. It was amazing to go with my friends to tournaments with lots of other primary schools.
“It’s that feeling that got me into football in the first place – it’s why we play the game and love the game.
“It’s a memory which will last a lifetime.”
Wolves Foundation were delighted to support the staging of the tournament at Molineux, with day one featuring 40 schools representing the current Premier League clubs in both mixed and girls’ competitions.
Day two featured the Premier League Primary Stars National girls’ football tournament, shining a light on the Premier League’s commitment to supporting the growth of the women’s game at all levels.
Funded by the Premier League through the Premier League Foundation, Premier League Primary Stars uses the appeal of football to help children to be active and develop essential life skills.
Wolves Foundation deliver the project across the city at many different schools.
Premier League Foundation Chief Executive Alex White added: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to children to enjoy their own Premier League matchday experience.
“We hope that everyone who took part at Molineux had a brilliant time playing competitive football, connecting with teams from across the country and building friendships while creating lasting memories.”
