On Thursday, the boy's U11 football team played in the Lancashire Small Schools Primary County Football Finals at Poolfoot Farm. This was an event that pitched the top 12 small schools across Lancashire against each other. Having qualified for this tournament last year, narrowly going out on goal difference in the group stages, we were hoping to go further in the finals this time round.

The boys got off to a confident start in the group game, with a 4-0 win over Water Primary from Rossendale.

In the next game, we played against St Joseph’s from Chorley. A poor start saw the boys trailing 1-0 after 20 seconds, however, the boys composed themselves and rallied. Some fantastic football was played and eventually saw AKS get the equalising goal they deserved, before taking a 2-goal lead. The opposition pulled a goal back late on but AKS held on to win 3-2.

The third game was a tough one against Whitechapel from Preston. This game was a frustrating one for AKS as we failed to find a goal, luckily neither did the opposition, with the game finishing 0-0.

The penultimate group game was against Our Lady of Lourdes from Lancaster. This was another strong showing from AKS, running out 3-1 winners with Ben netting a hat trick.

The final group game was first versus second, with the winner taking the top spot in the group. St Joseph’s Hurst Green representing Ribble Valley was the opponent this time and it was an excellent game with both teams playing brilliant football. AKS managed to break to deadlock and keep the game at 1-0 to top the group.

The quarter-finals saw AKS play the team who finished fourth in the other group, Arkholme from Heysham. Another great footballing display saw AKS take the lead early on but it wasn’t all our own way with us making some brilliant saves to keep AKS in the game. Second half we started to control the game before finding a second goal to secure the victory.

Semi-final time. Some nerves were apparent before the game kicked off against Newburgh of West Lancs. However, these were soon brushed aside with two quick-fire goals. This was the most controlled game we played and a very mature performance saw us run out 4-1 winners in the end.

The final. Playing for the chance to represent Lancashire in the Northern Finals. The opponent, a familiar foe from the group stage, St Joseph’s Hurst Green. The game started fast and nerves were definitely showing on AKS’s part. St Joseph’s took the lead through a good finish leaving us trailing 1-0 at half time. The second half saw the boys rally and throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at St Joseph’s defence, still unable to find a way through. In the last minute, a long free kick caused confusion in their box, allowing AKS to volley home the equaliser. 30 seconds later, the game was over and golden goal loomed. AKS took the kickoff, playing a superb through ball over the top for a burst of a touch and slot home the winner. Meaning, that AKS are Lancashire Champions!!

Throughout the entire day, the boys played amazingly and represented AKS to the highest level. Qualifying for this tournament was a massive achievement in itself, but to go on and win it, is truly special.

I say it every time I take these boys for a fixture, I am genuinely proud of every single one of them. They have developed, and continue to develop, so much as a team this year and I am thrilled to see them reaping the rewards they deserve. Well done lads!