LFC retain PL schools title
Plantation Primary represented Liverpool FC in fine style as they retained their Premier League Schools Tournament title at White Hart Lane.
The school, who won the right to represent the club after beating off fierce competition from other local schools in the regional finals, scored an extra-time goal to secure a 3-2 victory over Walmley Junior School, who were representing Aston Villa in the U11s mixed competition held at Tottenham Hotspur's White Hart Lane on Thursday afternoon.
This is the second title for Plantation Primary who won the honour last year on behalf of LFC at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium.
Matt Houghton, Plantation Primary Year six teacher, said: "The team started off quite nervous but they got better and better.
"Once they got into the swing of things and started playing they were something else. They were unstoppable. To win it two years in a row is unbelievable."
Plantation Primary were unbeaten in the group stages in London, winning three matches and drawing one, before overcoming St Margaret Mary's School representing local rivals Everton 2-1 in the semi-final.
In the U13 girls' category, the club was represented by Cowley International College who also performed really well at the tournament.
The Premier League Schools Tournament is a unique event, giving youngsters a taste of life as a Premier League footballer.
On Thursday the teams came out of the tunnel to the Premier League anthem, wore their official club kits, played on a top-flight pitch, and were refereed by Premier League officials.
They were also roared on by a vocal crowd of nearly 1500 fans, which is a record for a Schools Tournament Finals. The winner also had a chance to meet Tottenham Hotspur left-back Kyle Walker, who was on hand to award the trophies.
Walker said: "It's great to see the smiles on the faces of the children, it means a lot to them.
"Hopefully it won't be the last time that they play in a stadium like this. You never know who is up there watching. I had nothing like this when I was young, it was put your jackets down, there were no corner flags and definitely no Premier League referees. It's a fantastic opportunity for them."
Andrea Cooper, head of Liverpool FC Foundation, commented: "On behalf of the Foundation I would like to congratulate and thank both teams for representing LFC at this fantastic tournament.
"I am delighted for Plantation Primary who have secured the title for the second year running they should be so proud of themselves for their effort and hard work."