Redden Court schoolboys net national football title

Redden Court School went into the half-term break on a high after their year eight boys’ football team were crowned national champions.

Having come through nine earlier ties, the Harold Wood pupils met Liverpool’s West Derby School in the final of the ESFA U13 Playstation Schools’ Cup at The Hawthorns and claimed a dramatic last-gasp win.

Mason Demuth’s first-half double had put Redden on top at the break, but their rivals hit back from two very good set-pieces to level in the second half.

And with Redden losing captain Alfie Filletti and goalkeeper Louie King to injuries, it looked like the tie would go to a penalty shoot-out.

But with time almost up, a long ball from Dinny Rooney was well controlled by Demuth, who laid it back to Neo Lieu-Smith on the edge of the box to fire home and seal a 3-2 victory with virtually the last kick of the game.

“I still don’t think I can quite believe what has happened!” said director of sport Tom Hughes.

“I am so immensely proud of Jack Keeley, the year eight football squad, my PE department and everyone associated with Redden Court. These memories will stay with us for a lifetime.

“Thank you to everyone that supported the team back at school, I hear there was an amazing atmosphere in many of the classrooms and offices. Thank you to Mr Henry and all the staff that came up to support, it truly was amazing!

“And thank you to all the parents and families and friends who came up to West Brom to support the team too.

“Jack Keeley has done a fantastic job. He has worked so hard with this group of players and they finish the season with Havering and National championships. He has given up so much time to ensure these boys had every chance to be the best they possibly could be. I honestly couldn’t be prouder.”

The year eight team finished their season with 23 wins, scoring 85 goals and only conceding 17 and winning the Havering Cup final 3-1.

And Redden’s year 10 team were also celebrating after defending their Essex Cup title after beating Great Baddow on penalties.

“It’s challenging enough to win the Essex Cup once with a school team but to do it two years in a row, with the same team against the same opposition is absolutely amazing,” added Hughes.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and it was great to see so many staff and parents watching and cheering the boys on.”

Redden’s year nines lost their Havering Cup final 1-0, with the year 10s set to play their final upon their return to school and hoping for more silverware.

The year seven girls won their Havering League title and were finalists in the borough seven-a-side competition, as were the U16 girls who will play their final when they return from half-term.

“Sporting success has been fantastic again this year at Redden Court, not only our students that have represented and competed in our sports teams but all the students that attend clubs and practices before, during and after school,” said Hughes.

“Our motto within PE is ‘pursue excellence and success will follow’ and that is certainly what our students are doing here at Redden Court.”