For the third year running, Beckley’s Year 5/6 football team won the annual Peasmarsh Football Tournament this week! Teams from all the local schools took part in this long-established event, including teams from Rye Primary, Winchelsea, Playden and the hosts, Peasmarsh. The Beckley team grew more and more confident through the early stages of the tournament as all the schools played one another. We progressed to the knockout stages and played against the much bigger and stronger team from Rye. The power from the Rye players was impressive, but Beckley stood strong and were tenacious in our defence. With a draw at the end of normal time, a dramatic penalty shoot-out unfolded, with Beckley showing nerves of steel to win, as the penalties went to sudden-death!

In the final, Beckley faced the very talented team from Winchelsea. It was an excellent game, with both teams really attacking in a end-to-end encounter. The game grew increasingly tense as the clock moved into the final minute and Beckley were desperately searching for an equaliser. With almost the last play of the game, we scored a spectacular headed goal that took the match to another penalty shoot-out. Once more, the Beckley team showed fantastic self-belief and mental strength to win and claim the title of tournament champions for the third year running.

For all the excitement and drama, the most important aspect of the tournament victory was the sporting way that the entire Beckley squad played every game. Their behaviour and attitude was outstanding and they were commended for the excellent way in which they supported one another, congratulated the other teams and represented the school. Well done to our magnificent Beckley Year 5/6 football team – we are incredibly proud of you!