ST BEDE’S Catholic Middle School pupils are preparing to take centre stage at Derby County Football Club in the English Schools’ FA (ESFA) PlayStation Schools’ Cup Festival.
Staged between May 15-17, some 30 school finalists will be given the full match day experience, making their way to the home or away dressing room before walking out on to the hallowed turf.
St Bede’s U13s will face All Hallows Catholic School of Surrey on Wednesday, May 17 with the opportunity to be crowned ESFA PlayStation Schools’ Cup Boys Final champions.
Assistant principal Matt Russell said: “This is an amazing achievement for a really special and talented group of boys.
“They have performed so well this year, showing real character to win games in some difficult conditions and against some tough opposition.
“To reach a national final is an unbelievable achievement and they should be, as we are as a school, very proud of them. The one thing I can guarantee is they will give everything to try and win the trophy.”
With entry free for all attendees, the festival also provides a memorable occasion for school friends and family members.
More than 5,000 spectators attended last year’s finals and this time, as well as cheering on their classmates, a series of spectator competitions and activities will contribute to the carnival atmosphere.
To help encourage each school to bring a large support, PlayStation will be installing a decibel meter to measure the noisiest supporters each day.
PlayStation UK marketing director Richard Keen commented: “The festival is built around an occasion that will have lasting memories for the players, which can be shared with their friends and family members too.
“As we enter the latter stages of the fourth season of our partnership with the English Schools’ FA, we have involved a record number of teams to give more than 150,000 players the chance of experiencing the pride of representing their school in a high profile tournament.”
