Two primary schools from the Bishop Hogarth Catholic Education Trust (BHCET) are celebrating an extraordinary sporting achievement, after both teams secured their place in a national football final at Wembley.
St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in Darlington (under-11 boys) and Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Hartlepool (under-11 girls) will compete in the National League Trust Under 11s Cup Final at Wembley Arena on Sunday 10 May, marking a proud moment for both schools, their local communities and our Trust.
Both teams were crowned Northern Final Winners in York, earning a dream trip to the home of English football where they will face the southern champions on the national stage.
Katie Whitehead, Headteacher at St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our boys’ football team. The teamwork, resilience and skill they have shown throughout this journey have been exemplary. This is a huge achievement for St Augustine’s and for Darlington, and we could not be prouder of how they have represented us. It’s an amazing experience for the boys who are Darlington’s first ever primary school representatives in a Wembley final. Wembley, here we come.”
Mr Raper, teacher and football coach at St Augustine’s, added:
“They’re a really talented team, and to be Darlington’s first ever representatives in the National League Trust and be able to walk out on the Wembley pitch is a moment they will remember for the rest of their lives.”
Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School’s under-11 girls’ team have also enjoyed an impressive journey to the final, overcoming numerous local and regional rounds. Headteacher Amanda Palmer said: “We’re incredibly proud. They’re absolutely fabulous - you couldn’t ask for a better bunch of girls to reach a final like this. Every step of the way they have just pulled together as a team and it has paid off.”
Jayne Evans, teacher and sports lead at Sacred Heart, added: “It’s really well deserved. The girls are very excited for the opportunity. A train full of staff, parents and extended family members will travel to London to support the teams, with Sacred Heart raising funds to help with travel costs.”
We are immensely proud of both teams for not only representing their schools, but also BHCET, their local communities and the North East on a national stage. Their success reflects a strong commitment to sporting excellence, teamwork and high-quality teaching across our Trust. Good luck to both teams - we’re all rooting for you at Wembley!
