Village school plays for England glory

Barkston Ash has just over 130 pupils but successfully progressed through the county and regional stages of the tournament and will now compete in the national finals, which are being held on Sunday May 22 at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium. Barkston Ash Primary School will complete against schools from across the country in a bid to be crowned national champions.

The contest sees 3,000 schools take part in the English leg with over 2.5million children competing worldwide each year.

Former Tottenham, Liverpool and England centre back John Scales, ambassador of the tournament said: “I am so proud to have so closely supported the ESFA Danone Nations Cup for more than 10 years now.

“It’s a truly remarkable project that brings joy to thousands of kids nationally.

“Being active, eating well, having fun and working hard as part of a team are fundamental pillars of influencing the many that participate and I wish Barkston Ash Primary School the best of luck in the national finals.”

Charlotte Broos, CSR manager at Danone, said: “This year, not only will Danone be celebrating the best talent from the country; we will also be rewarding the unsung Match Day Heroes of local football.

“Barkston Ash Primary School have performed outstandingly well to make it through to this stage of the tournament, and I wish them luck in the national finals.”

The ESFA Danone Nations Cup is a unique FIFA approved tournament.