Success for Girls Football Team
The Pilgrim Academy Girls football team has gone from strength-to-strength over the last year competing in tournaments, friendlies and highly-competitive matches.
Prior to the last two seasons, none of the girls had experience of playing football at a competitive level. After their first football tournament in January 2022, and having their first taste of victory, many of the girls became dedicated to becoming better footballers.
Over 15 girls have regularly attended the weekly football club over the last two years; they have worked on improving their dribbling, passing, shooting and positioning.
The improvement the girls made was evident in October 2022, where they finished 3rd in a 12 team tournament, only conceding one goal.
Recently, Pilgrim have played two games against Stallingborough C of E Primary School and Reynolds Academy and walked away victorious in both, with 15-0 and 5-0 victories respectively.
Abigail Bevers (10), who has been a key part of the football team over the last two seasons, expressed that she feels lucky to have had the opportunity to play many games. She also feels like playing football has taught her about being respectful to her teammates and other teams.
Layla Boyd, an addition to the team this year, said that playing football has helped her develop courage – she is never afraid to put in a good tackle!
Poppy Walker – who made her debut this year – said that all the games she has played in have been filled with fun, good-spirit and excellent sportsmanship.
Team captain, Mia Cawley, commented that these opportunities have made her more motivated to play football outside of school. She mentioned that she believes the new government initiative to create equal school sport opportunities for girls is a positive change, and she believes that it is only fair that girls have the same opportunities as boys.
Mr. Gibbon, coach of the team, stated that he is so proud of the improvements the girls have made over the course of the two seasons, and that team spirit and positive attitude is what has contributed to their successes.
Pilgrim are hoping to have another match before the end of the school year.
