Over two hundred and fifty girls from across Norfolk took to the pitches yesterday to showcase their footballing skills at the Norfolk School Games Girl’s Football Finals. The event was organised by Active Norfolk and 8 Norfolk School Sport Partnerships and held at Goals, Norwich.
The event included the county finals for teams of pupils from Years 3-4 and Years 5-6. Each of the 32 teams that took part had earned their spots in the finals by finishing in the top two places at qualifying competitions held by their local School Sport Partnerships.
At the start of the event, teams in each age group were split into four groups each containing four teams. They played off against each other in a round robin format. The teams that finished 1st or 2nd in each group, progressed into the Cup competition, and those that finished 3rd and 4th went into the Plate competition.
Teams were again split into groups within the Cup/Plate competitions and played matches against the other teams in their group. Teams in each group then played against teams who finished in the same position in the other group for overall positions.
Jon Osborne, School Games Organiser commented:
“Congratulations to all the girls that took part in todays School Games Finals. The standard of football today was the highest it has ever been. We have also had record numbers of girls choose to take part in the qualifying competitions which is amazing to see.”
The event also contributed towards the county’s work as part of the FA Girls’ Football School Partnership programme. It aims to give girls equal access to football in schools.
Photos
To view and download photos of the action CLICK HERE
Results
The Year 3-4 results were:
| Position | School |
|---|---|
| 1st | Martham Academy |
| 2nd | Worstead Primary |
| 3rd | Dersingham Primary |
| 4th | Dereham Junior |
| 5th | St Michaels Junior |
| 6th | South Wootton Junior |
| 7th= | Costessey Primary |
| 7th= | Milfield Primary |
| 9th | Brooke Primary |
| 10th | Drake Primary |
| 11th | Attleborough Primary |
| 12th | Forncett Primary |
| 13th | Cringleford Primary |
| 14th | Woodlands Primary |
| 15th | Old Catton Junior |
| 16th | White House Farm Primary |
The Year 5-6 results were:
| Position | School |
|---|---|
| 1st | Woodlands Primary |
| 2nd | Mulbarton Primary |
| 3rd | Sheringham Primary |
| 4th | St Martha's Primary |
| 5th= | Loddon Junior |
| 5th= | Taverham Junior |
| 7th | Costessey Primary |
| 8th | South Wootton |
| 9th | Tuckswood Academy |
| 10th | Hillside Avenue Primary |
| 11th | Wreningham Primary |
| 12th | Bure Valley Junior |
| 13th | Ormiston Herman Academy |
| 14th | Old Catton Junior |
| 15th | Drake Primary |
| 16th | Rosecroft Primary |
Importance of the School Games
The success of these young athletes not only underscores their commitment and prowess but also highlights the significance of initiatives like the Norfolk School Games. Shockingly, 4 out of 5 girls playing recreational football lack confidence, and 81% of girls perceive barriers to participation. Events like this provide a stage for girls to pursue their football dreams, nurture physical and social skills, and build a stronger, more inclusive sporting community.
How can my school take part in future School Games events?
The Norfolk School Games brings motivational and meaningful opportunities to young people in Norfolk through sport and physical activity, with engaging experiences that support their wider development. We want to encourage as many schools across Norfolk as possible to take part in future School Games events and initiatives. To be the first to find out about School Games news, including upcoming events and initiatives to support physical activity in young people, sign up to our newsletter here.
