Year 8 Leeds Cup final at Elland Road

Oulton Academy Boys of Year 8 have finally lost, unfortunately at the worst time!

However, that isn’t the story of the match or the event. The match was actually a side-story to something much bigger, much sweeter and far more important. The main story was actually a triumph, not a loss. The main story was a show to be celebrated.

The story on show: The character of a group of young men.

I am so proud of them.

Truthfully, the team have often played better and shown their quality on the ball more consistently within a game. The team’s final ball within the final third was just lacking, otherwise we certainly could have won this game.

The reason for this: the team never stopped working. Ever. The team never dropped their heads. Ever. The team never stopped believing they could turn it around. Ever. The resilience, the desire and the positivity shone through, and the very good Cockburn side had to be at their absolute best.

Every single Oulton player gave their very best, did so with dignity and respect and never gave in.

The players will certainly benefit greatly from the experience of playing at such a big venue and occasion, which will help them grow as footballers. But as people of quality, they are already there. They maintain that and they’ve every reason to think future success is probable.

That mentality is the area I am so delighted with and hold greatest value to.

Stand proud Oulton Academy football team – you deserve it!

#OultonMindset