Princess Frederica of Kensal Rise won the inaugural Brent Schools’ FA Under-10 World Cup competition in dramatic style. Organised by Brent Schools’ FA and Hendon coach Joe Pascoe, the tournament was partially funded by the English Schools’ FA and staged on the eve of the World Cup at the home of Hendon FC, Silver Jubilee Park. There were 12 schools in attendance.
In the group stage, Freds drew 0-0 v Islamia then beat Elsworth 3-0 before edging past St Andrews & St Frances 1-0. Freds went on to the semi-final as group winners. This earned them a tie against Chalk Hill who they beat 3-0 to reach the final.
The final was an incredibly tight game against a strong Islamia team who they had drawn with previously. Freds took the lead with a spectacular long range free kick by player of the tournament Eabha Kennedy. Islamia showed great resilience and fought back to equalise with the last kick of the game.
Extra time was end to end stuff as both teams pressed for the winner and with seconds remaining it was Freds Molly O‘Connor who broke through to smash the ball into the net to clinch a dramatic win for her school.
Brent Schools’ FA Chair Chris Ampofo congratulated all of the teams that had taken part: “This tournament has showed that girls football in Brent is going from strength to strength. We hope that some of the girls that took part today will play for Brent next season. It has been a brilliant day.” He also praised the teachers: “Special thanks to all of the teachers who brought their teams along. We are so fortunate to have so many excellent and committed teachers in Brent. Schools football and sport in schools is so important”
Princess Frederica squad: Eabha Kennedy, Georgie Stone, Molly O’Connor, Maud Ampofo, Lulu Monk, Holly Palmer, Kate & Maia Fox, Bella Nugent, Olivia MacArthur, Pele Kado Fakahau