Charlton Athletic will be represented in the finals of the EFL Utilita Kids Cup by Eltham-based St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, after they won the regional stages of the six-a-side tournament earlier this week.
The national tournament for junior footballers offers children a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at Wembley Stadium. St Mary’s journey to the hallowed turf of Wembley began at Sparrows Lane, where they emerged as winners of Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT) local Utilita Kids Cup tournament. This victory earned them the chance to represent Charlton in the regional finals of the competition, hosted by Wycombe Wanderers Foundation. There, after a tense penalty shootout victory over Bristol Rovers in the semi-final, St Mary’s won the final 2-0 against a school representing Reading United.
Now, St Mary’s will proudly represent Charlton in the national finals of the competition, which will take place at Wembley Stadium during the Sky Bet EFL Play-Off weekend in May. The pupils will be following in the footsteps of international stars such as Jamal Musiala and Scott McTominay, who both participated in the Utilita Kids Cup during their younger years.
CACT Senior Football & Sports Development Officer Bradley Marshall said: "After winning our local round, St Mary’s Primary School advanced to the regional finals hosted by Wycombe Wanderers Foundation. The day had everything football-wise: excellent team goals, tight end-to-end games and even a penalty shootout. The standard of play was very high, but our team rose to the challenge in every match.
"They played very well, winning three matches and drawing two out of the five group-stage games without conceding a single goal. In the knockout rounds, we beat Wycombe Wanderers and then Bristol Rovers in a penalty shootout before defeating Reading in the final. The players, staff and parents were absolutely thrilled with the achievement of earning a trip to Wembley Stadium. Now, we eagerly await to find out who our northern opponents will be in the final."
Everyone at CACT wishes St Mary’s Catholic Primary School the very best of luck in the finals of the competition!