Sutton Schools represent Palace at Molineux
May 21st saw two south London teams head to the Molineux stadium to take part in the Premier League Primary Stars Tournament representing Crystal Palace FC and Palace for Life.
Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament, Molineux Stadium 21 May 2019
The teams, from Barrow Hedges representing Palace in the girls category and Cheam Common playing in the mixed category, were just two of the squads from hundreds of children representing Premier League clubs across the country experiencing the life of a professional footballer for the day.
Stepping out onto the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers, the teams were able to use the same dressing rooms that Premier League stars use every week, walk out of the tunnel to the Premier League anthem, and even had the matches officiated by Premier League referees.
The teams were part of a group stage made up of AFC Bournemouth, Huddersfield Town, Liverpool and Manchester City. The girls team finished their group undefeated, but unfortunately didn’t have enough points to get through to the semi-finals. The mixed team came out on top of their group and drew Newcastle United in the semi-final, unfortunately losing 3-1 in an exciting and well contested game.
Premier League Primary Stars Football Tournament, Molineux Stadium 21 May 2019
One of the players said: “It was so good to be able to play at a Premier League stadium wearing the Crystal Palace kit against all the other Premier League teams. It was amazing, and really cool that we were refereed by the referees we see on TV every week! I had an amazing day, I can’t believe it!”
Palace for Life Primary Schools Officer James Jenden said: “Being able to take this group of local children to the Molineux was an amazing experience. Just seeing their faces full of excitement when they got to the stadium and walking out onto the pitch was great, and I hope the day has given them memories they will always remember.
“They enjoyed playing and competed really well against some tough opposition from all around the country on such a big stage.
“They represented Crystal Palace with such pride and were a pleasure to be with, they should all be very proud of themselves!”
Watch the highlights from the day HERE.