More House U13 Football Team Crowned National SEND Champions at Chelsea FC Training Ground!
On Tuesday 16th June, our U13 football team travelled to Chelsea Football Club’s impressive training ground at Cobham to compete in the Key Stage 3 National SEND Football Championships.
Having qualified in second place at the regional competition, the boys arrived not quite knowing what to expect. The only certainty was that they would once again face Muntham House School, who had narrowly beaten them in the regional final just a few weeks earlier.
To ensure the team was fully prepared for the day, we set off early and enjoyed a quick breakfast stop for croissants before arriving at Cobham. As we entered the training complex, the players were immediately blown away by the scale and professionalism of the facilities. The tournament was held on the main U18 3G training pitch at the heart of the site, surrounded by immaculate gardens, fountains and football pitches stretching as far as the eye could see.
Our opening fixture was against familiar opponents, Muntham House. Determined to make amends for the previous defeat, the boys produced an excellent performance. Despite striking both the post and crossbar on multiple occasions, they were unable to find the breakthrough and the match ended in a hard-fought 0–0 draw.
The team quickly moved on to face Merrywood School. After a competitive first half, the boys took complete control of the game, playing with confidence and composure to secure a convincing 3–0 victory. Momentum continued to build in the third match against Bramley Grange Academy, where another outstanding display resulted in a 4–0 win. Following a short hydration break and an opportunity to discuss tactics, we took on Bensham Manor. They provided a stern test and were the first side to seriously challenge our goalkeeper throughout the day. However, our defence remained resolute, and another disciplined performance saw us emerge 2–0 winners.
At this stage, the boys began to realise that they had a genuine chance of becoming national champions. Understandably, a few nerves began to creep in before matches, but once on the pitch there was no sign of anxiety. The team produced some outstanding one-touch football and their finishing was clinical. A superb 4–0 victory over West Heath School left everything resting on one final game against St Edward’s, who had also enjoyed an excellent tournament and matched many of our results.
Knowing the importance of the final match, the players came together as a group and showed tremendous maturity. A fast start saw us take an early 1–0 lead, settling any nerves. As confidence grew, so did the quality of the football. Further goals followed, with the team producing some of their best football of the day. With the final kick of the game, the boys added a fourth goal to complete a sensational 4–0 victory and secure the title of 2026 National SEND Champions.
The statistics tell their own story: 17 goals scored, 0 goals conceded, and unbeaten throughout the tournament. More importantly, the players demonstrated exceptional teamwork, resilience, sportsmanship and determination in every match. This was a truly remarkable achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition for a group of boys who represented the school with distinction throughout the day.
Congratulations to this talented squad on becoming 2026 National SEND Champions!
