U13 Girls Victorious At The ISA Girls' Football Nationals

The tournament took place at Dixie Grammar and featured 12 teams from across the country. On a beautiful sunny autumn day, Princethorpe’s Girls played exceptional football, were crowned champions and awarded the ISA National trophy.

The group stages started with a 0-0 draw against a strong King's High School side, who would go on to finish 3rd, that was followed by a 3-0 victory against Dixie Grammar School A. After a short break the team had a tough game against Hulme Grammar School, where Princethorpe eventually prevailed 1-0, thanks to a last-minute winner. This was followed by a 5-0 win against Birchfield School. The last group game, against St Joseph's College, Ipswich, featured a come-from behind win. After going 1-0 down, the girls battled back to take the game 2-1 and top the group on goal difference over King's High.

The semi-final was a very tight affair against Scarisbrook Hall School, which finished 0-0. In the penalty shoot out, Darcy G scored first for Princethorpe, followed by a great save from Sophie, in goal, from Scarisbrook's first penalty. Alice then scored, as did Scarisbrook from their second, meaning Jess had the chance to win with the third penalty. She confidently stepped up and placed a great shot into the bottom right corner to send Princethorpe through to the final.

The final, against Dixie Grammar B, was another tense affair. Princethorpe went 2-0 up after great goals from Jessica and Jess, before, with just two minutes to go, Dixie Grammar pulled one back from a deflected shot. However, Princethorpe defended resolutely to the end, winning the final 2-1.

The team were then delighted to be presented with their medals and trophy by former Premier League striker Jermaine Beckford.

As well as their excellence on the field, the girls conducted themselves brilliantly off the pitch, showing sportsmanship and team spirit and representing the College with aplomb.

A huge well done to them all!