Everton in the Community’s Premier League Primary Stars Girls team were crowned champions of this year’s PLPS Football Tournament on Wednesday, coming out on top against hundreds of primary school children from across the UK.
The team from Dovedale Primary School secured victory after a 2-0 victory in an enthralling contest against home side, Brentford’s Girls team at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Primary Schools from across the UK had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play for their local Premier League Club in Under-11s girls and mixed team fixtures at the tournament as one of the competition elements of the PLPS education programme.
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Woolton Primary School’s Mixed team and Dovedale Primary School’s Girls team represented EitC at the tournament and donned their personalised Everton kits as they all took to the pitch for the Blues at the home of Brentford Football Club.
The two teams competing for the Toffees played in the group stages before the knockout stages commenced. Woolton Primary School’s Mixed team gracefully bowed out of the tournament in the group stages, whilst Dovedale Primary School’s Girls team went unbeaten and topped their group on goal difference before they beat Bournemouth in the semi-finals to face Brentford in the final.
Dovedale Primary School’s Girls team, who were crowned Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup County Champions in January, sealed a convincing 2-0 victory over Brentford to claim the PLPS Football Tournament title. Ivy, a promising striker amongst the group, won ‘Top Goal Scorer’ of the tournament; netting 10 goals in eight games. The event culminated in the girls receiving their honours, as they proudly posed wearing their medals whilst holding the tournament trophy.
Reflecting on the girls’ success at the PLPS Football Tournament, Everton in the Community Primary School and Early Years Programme Manager, Olivia Cardwell said: “We’re so proud of all the young people who represented EitC at the PLPS Football Tournament. The Girls team thoroughly deserved the win and we’re grateful to have shared such a special moment with them as they lifted the trophy.
“The event gives these primary school children the chance to create memories to last a lifetime and have their own Premier League matchday experience. It was great to see all of the pupils we support coming away with a smile on their faces, which is exactly what the PLPS programme is all about.”
The Premier League Primary Stars programme uses the appeal of the Premier League and Everton Football Club to inspire children to learn, be active and develop important life skills.
Funded by the Premier League, the programme sees the charity work in primary schools across Liverpool City Region to inspire children aged 5-11 in the classroom, the playground and on the sports field.
The programme covers subjects from English and Maths to teamwork and PE with learning connected to the real world of sport when tackling challenging subjects such as resilience, diversity and self-esteem.
To find out more about our commitment to supporting young children, click here.