Wildern Footballers Win MP's Praise

2.44.14pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 7th Apr 2004

David Chidgey, Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh, has written to Wildern School to congratulate the football team who reached the Boys Hampshire County Final of the Coca-Cola Enterprise's National Schools Cup. The team from Wildern will now go on to play in a 'Champions League' Event, and if successful, will go on to play for the title of Regional Champion at Southampton's St Mary's Stadium in May.

Mr Chidgey said:

"This is a great achievement for the local boys. I am sure that they will be able to progress even further in the tournament. It is a credit to the staff and the pupils that their team has won through to the regional round of the competition. I hope the success of Wildern School will encourage even more schools to participation in the competition next year."

37,000 boys and girls from 2,200 schools across the country took part in the competition, which is intended to improve both the quality and quantity of football played in schools. Research showed that the tournaments have had many benefits beyond developing football skills, including developing school sport and physical education more generally, as well as promoting individual well being and team spirit.

Wildern School has also recently received a grant from the Football Foundation for a Multi Use Games Area, which will enable the school to build on their initial success and further develop their sporting capacity.

ENDS