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Competitive Spirit on Display at Secondary Schools Football Tournament

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Published on 16/10/26

For the sixth consecutive year the Inspiration Trust football tournament took place over two days at The Nest, Norwich. 72 boys' and girls' teams from nine schools across Norfolk and Waveney competed in the first Inspiration Trust Sport event of the year, showcasing excellent football, teamwork, respect and inclusion. Year 7 and 9 students competed on Thursday, followed by Year 8 and 10 students on Friday, with all matches played on the venue's high-quality 3G pitches. The tournament featured fast-paced, competitive football, with many closely contested games and dramatic late goals keeping team standings undecided until the final round of fixtures. Throughout the event, players demonstrated impressive skill, determination and sportsmanship, with several standout individual performances helping teams secure crucial points in a highly competitive tournament.

DAY 1 – Match Reports

Year 7 Girls - Hethersett Academy vs Thetford Academy

Hethersett Academy produced an assured performance to overcome Thetford Academy in an entertaining tournament clash to kick off the day.

Both sides showed plenty of attacking ambition early on, with Thetford looking particularly dangerous, they posed a threat whenever they broke forward and never allowed their opponents to relax – but couldn't convert this into goals. However, Hethersett played the wings effectively and overloaded the defence, finishing the game 5-0.

Year 9 Girls - Wayland Academy vs East Point Academy

Wayland Academy delivered a lively and energetic display to secure victory over East Point Academy. The match was played at a high tempo, with both teams eager to move the ball quickly and create opportunities. East Point competed well and showed great resilience, particularly when under pressure, but Wayland's composure and teamwork helped them gain the upper hand.

Strong defensive organisation from Wayland was the foundation for an excellent all-round performance, with some great stops from the keeper and steadfast defending from their team. The result rewarded Wayland's consistency, sneaking a 1-0 win in a very close game.

Year 9 Girls - Great Yarmouth Charter Academy vs Hewett Academy

Great Yarmouth Charter Academy and Hewett Academy served up one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, with both teams fully committed from the first whistle. The game provided plenty of action for spectators and coaches alike. Charter enjoyed spells of possession, while Hewett looked dangerous whenever they attacked.

It was extremely lively in the final third for Hewett, with a whole host of corners that gave them plenty of chances on goal. This strong game finished with a Hewett win, 2-0.

Year 7 Boys - King Edward VII Academy vs Cromer Academy

The early stages of this game were closely fought, with Cromer defending resolutely and making life difficult for their opponents. As the match progressed, Cromer Academy began to find greater rhythm and control in possession, creating a series of promising opportunities which eventually rewarded them with a goal.

KES continued to battle hard and remained competitive throughout, earning plenty of admiration for their effort and commitment. Ultimately, their patience and teamwork came through, with a well worked corner for a last-minute equaliser. The game finished with a draw, 1-1.

Year 9 Boys - Jane Austen College vs Hewett Academy

In a closely contested match, both teams worked tirelessly and created opportunities, but neither side could find a breakthrough for much of the game. The local rivals were keen to put the pressure on each other, and it was an exhilarating game to watch. Fancy footwork and quick passing couldn't get past either keeper, as Jane Austen College continually pressed Hewett back into their own half.

With time running out, a Hewett goal kick took a significant deflection, sending the ball on an unexpected bounce and catching out Jane Austen College as it bounced into the net. Hewett Academy claimed the dramatic 1-0 victory over Jane Austen College thanks to the extraordinary late goal.

DAY 2 – Match Reports

Year 8 Girls – Great Yarmouth Charter Academy vs Hewett Academy

Hewett started the contest brightly, applying plenty of early pressure and forcing Charter onto the back foot. However, the Charter goalkeeper was in outstanding form, making a series of excellent saves to keep the scores level. As the game developed, Charter began to find their feet and looked increasingly dangerous when moving forward. Hewett continued to create opportunities, though, twice forcing incredible saves from the Charter keeper. Eventually the pressure told as Hewett found the breakthrough to make it 1-0. Even after conceding, Charter continued to battle, with their goalkeeper producing another brilliant stop to keep her side firmly in the contest.

A competitive encounter highlighted by fantastic teamwork from Hewett and an exceptional goalkeeping display from Charter.

Year 10 Girls – Cromer Academy vs Jane Austen College

Cromer took control from the early stages, putting Jane Austen under sustained pressure and looking dangerous whenever they moved forward. Jane Austen responded by trying to hit their opponents on the counter-attack, but Cromer's pressure eventually produced the opening goal. From there, Cromer grew in confidence and quickly added a second. Cromer maintained their momentum after going 3-0 ahead, continuing to create chances and preventing Jane Austen from establishing a sustained spell of possession. A fourth goal completed an impressive 4-0 victory for Cromer.

A resilient presentation from Jane Austen College against a commanding performance from Cromer, built on sustained attacking pressure.

Year 8 Boys – Hethersett Academy vs East Point Academy

East Point made the perfect start, playing an excellent forward ball which was met with a superb finish to give them an early lead. Hethersett found themselves under considerable pressure as East Point continued to push forward, although a goalkeeping mistake at the other end almost handed Hethersett a route back into the game. East Point continued to pile on the pressure but also presented Hethersett with an opportunity after conceding a free kick. At the other end, East Point came close again, firing into the side netting before the Hethersett goalkeeper produced an incredible save. East Point then struck the post as they continued to search for another goal, but Hethersett refused to give in.

A really good battle between the two sides, with East Point creating plenty of chances and Hethersett showing excellent resilience.

Year 10 Boys – King Edward VII Academy vs Cromer Academy

Cromer made an impressive start and took an early 1-0 lead before adding a second to establish control of the contest. Rather than sitting back at 2-0, Cromer continued to play with an aggressive high press, making it difficult for King Edward VII to play their way out. The King Edward VII goalkeeper responded superbly, producing a number of excellent saves to keep his team in the game. Cromer eventually found another breakthrough following a throw-in, with a touch inside the box helping to create the scoring opportunity. Further defensive and goalkeeping errors from King Edward VII were then punished as Cromer extended their advantage. King Edward VII continued to compete and came close when an effort found the side netting, but Cromer's pressure ultimately proved too much.

Full-time: King Edward VII 0-5 Cromer.

Paul Wayman Jackson, Director of Sport, said:

“The Inspiration Trust Football Festival continues to be one of the highlights of our sporting calendar, and this year’s event was a fantastic celebration of participation, talent and community. Across the two days, students and staff represented their academies with pride, demonstrating not only an exceptionally high standard of football but also the values that sit at the heart of school sport, including respect, teamwork, resilience and inclusion.

We are extremely grateful to the team at The Nest for their exceptional support and hospitality. Hosting more than 720 students from all nine Inspiration Trust schools is a significant undertaking, and their professionalism and commitment ensured every participant enjoyed a memorable experience. The facilities provided a fitting stage for the event and helped inspire many students to continue their football journeys beyond school, with several expressing an interest in joining local clubs as a direct result of their experience.

Events of this scale are only possible because of the collective efforts of dedicated colleagues, student leaders and community partners. It is a privilege to work alongside such talented staff and young people from across the Inspiration Trust to create opportunities that enable students to participate, compete and develop leadership skills through sport.

I would also like to extend a special thank you to the Norfolk FA referees and Community Sports Foundation. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and support were instrumental in ensuring the event ran so successfully.

The festival represents everything that is positive about school sport: bringing young people together, creating lasting memories and inspiring the next generation to lead active and healthy lives.”

A massive thank you to all staff and students that participated across both days of the event, and congratulations to our winning schools and Players of the Tournament.