Girls Football The combined year 7 and 8 Crypt girls’ football team competed in the final stages of the ESFA national competition. They faced a well organised Priory school who had previously won the competition. The game was competitive with both teams battling, demonstrating fantastic work ethic and determination. The Crypt girls gave it 100% and should be extremely proud of their performance. Their physicality, perseverance and dedication are clear to see and each year they continue to develop and improve. The final score ended 4-2 to Priory, however the girls made history that day. They made it to the final 16 nationally and continue to impress. Road to Wembley After winning the area competition at Reading the Crypt girls headed to Swindon representing Cheltenham FC for the Regional round of the Road to Wembley tournament. At the end of the tournament there would be a winner of the ‘south’ who would then go on to play the winners of the ‘north’ at Wembley. The girls were strong throughout the tournament and won all their matches beating Plymouth Argyle 2-0, Wycombe 20 and Leyton Orient 5-1. It was then into the final where the girls had to play second place Plymouth Argyle. The final was a brilliant display of football showcasing a lot of talent from both sides. Plymouth Argyle were up 1-0 but Bea Norwood scored an outstanding goal in the final 2 minutes to make it 1-1. It was then through to extra time, Safia Neocleous tested the goalkeeper but was unfortunate not to score. 1 minute of extra time left and Plymouth Argyle looked like they were about to score but it was goalkeeper Bridget Blackstone who pulled off the save of the tournament! It was penalties to determine who would get the opportunity to play at Wembley. Unfortunately, the Crypt girls lost 2-1 on penalties. It seems the cruelest of ways to go out despite being unbeaten all tournament. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our time but to make it so far in a national competition is an incredible achievement. Yet again the girls have done themselves and the school incredibly proud, they played with desire, commitment and dedication. Their physicality, teamwork, leadership and communication were brilliant, and we are so proud of this team. They have listened, developed and played outstandingly throughout each round of the competition. They are an amazing group of girls who show nothing but energy, determination, dedication and demonstrate a passion for football. They have created a legacy for future Crypt girls’, and they should all be extremely proud. We are excited for the Crypt girls’ footballs future and I have no doubt that we will carry on achieving and improving year on year. This is only the start of their journey and they have built the foundations for the upcoming years. A special thank you to Chris Gooch who worked extremely hard with the girls, and to all the girls who attended lunch time training, classroom sessions and after school training. Well done to: Eva Flitney, Bridget Blackstone, Thea Gooch, Ellie Haigh, Martha Campbell, Emily Anwyll, Saf Neocleous and Bea Norwood
29 School Life