Students from six Ormiston Academies Trust schools in the East of England have come together for two football tournaments held by Norwich City Football Club Scholars (NCFC).
The tournaments brought together Year 7 students from Flegg High Ormiston Academy, Broadland High Ormiston Academy, Ormiston Venture Academy, Ormiston Victory Academy, Ormiston Sudbury Academy and City of Norwich School for a day of competitive sport, skill-building and inspiration, offering a valuable opportunity to represent their schools, build confidence and develop teamwork in a professional setting.
The girls’ tournament was held at the University of East Anglia’s Sports Park, where NCFC Scholars ran a full day of action-packed matches and specialist coaching as part of their BTEC and apprenticeship programme. Adding even more excitement, players were treated to a special visit from members of the Norwich City Ladies First Team, who offered expert advice and signed photos to inspire the next generation of female footballers. Broadland High Ormiston Academy claimed the top spot, with Ormiston Venture Academy finishing as runners-up. Ciera, a student from Venture, received the Player of the Tournament award in celebration of her brilliant performance and positive spirit.
Despite Storm Benjamin forcing a last-minute venue change, the boys’ tournament successfully went ahead at Norwich City’s Avant Training Centre, giving students a rare chance to compete at one of the club’s elite facilities. Ormiston Victory Academy celebrated a fantastic win, with City of Norwich School finishing as worthy runners-up. Landyn from Victory’s impressive contribution on the pitch earned him the Player of the Tournament Award.
To celebrate the students’ achievements, NCFC generously donated signed shirts for winners, runners-up and standout players at both tournaments. The annual tournaments form part of the Trust’s wider enrichment programme, which aims to broaden students’ horizons through sport, creativity and real-world opportunities. The collaboration with NCFC not only provided an unforgettable experience for students, but also helped build confidence, teamwork and aspiration by connecting young players with elite-level facilities and role models in professional sport.
Jo Robson, Regional Enrichment and Social Action Co-ordinator for the East at Ormiston Academies Trust, said:
“These tournaments are a wonderful example of what can be achieved through collaboration between education and professional sport. Our students gain not only valuable playing experience but also inspiration from role models within Norwich City Football Club. We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part and grateful to NCFC for their ongoing support in providing such enriching opportunities for our academies in the East.”