A DENTON primary school is gearing up for a historic day as its under 11s football team aims to cement a national title at a former Premier League stadium.
After qualifying through regionalised rounds over the previous six months, Russell Scott has secured its place in the Pokemon Schools’ Cup Final.
The event, which has become a key date on the school calendar, will be played at Derby County’s Pride Park on Friday, May 17.
The 33,000-seater stadium, home to the recently promoted League One outfit, will host a series of fixtures across the day as the best schools in Britain battle it out for the coveted title.
And for PE teacher Darren Gorman, watching his squad of players compete at Pride Park – which includes Burnley FC product Jack Stirling – will be the highlight of a 15-year career.
But, regardless of the outcome, Darren is delighted that his players will have the opportunity to grace a former Premier League surface before they progress into high school.
Not that he will be taking the day lightly – quite the contrary, He is very much focused on the task at hand and will be doing everything he can to ensure the school returns to Tameside with another piece of silverware.
Speaking to The Correspondent ahead of the day, Darren said: “The boys have done really well throughout the tournament and have justified their position in the final.
“We have come up against some solid teams, put on some great performances and managed to achieve our ultimate objective of reaching the Final.
“More than 5,000 teams and 50,000 children enter the competition, so to have defied the odds and reached the final is an achievement in itself.”
Russell Scott were beaten 2-1 in their final outing in Liverpool.
Not that it mattered in the grand scheme of things, as a runners-up position guaranteed the players a trip to Derby nonetheless.
Darren added: “Although we lost in Liverpool, we were happy to have represented not just the school, but the borough as a whole on such a big occasion.
“Our priority now, of course, is to go one step further and bring the silverware back to Tameside – just as the school has done at a number of events throughout the years.
“It is a great competition that generates a lot of excitement amongst the pupils – and what more incentive do you need than the prospect of competing at a top-quality stadium.
“I’d also like to thank Jamie Stirling, who has helped out with the coaching side of things throughout the tournament and especially in my absence.”
If Darren is searching for inspiration ahead of the day, he needs to look no further than a Buxton-based primary school who won last year’s tournament at Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.
Harpur Hill, situated in the High Peak, beat off stiff competition to reach the final, before eventually lifting the trophy with a 3-2 win over Victoria College Preparatory School from Jersey.
Irrespective of what happens on May 17, Darren says the school is relishing the opportunity to prove their worth on a grand stage against the very best.
But, before the final takes place, the school will be getting in some much-needed practice at the Tameside-based Primary Cup Finals.
Russell Scott will be contesting the Kiley Cup against Gee Cross Holy Trinity at Ashton’s St Damian’s Roman Catholic Science College on Friday, May 3.