A fantastic couple of days
On Wednesday and Thursday, pupils from William Ford Church of England Junior School travelled to Molineux, the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, to take part in the Premier League Primary Stars Tournament. Representing West Ham United, both our boys' team and our girls' team took to the pitch against some brilliant opposition, including Bournemouth, Chelsea, Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.
The football itself was fantastic. Both teams played with energy, skill and determination and were a real credit to themselves and to the school. But what made this trip truly special went well beyond what happened on the pitch.
From the moment the children arrived at the hotel on Wednesday evening through to the final whistle today, their behaviour was simply outstanding. They were polite, responsible and a genuine pleasure to be around. Staff from other schools commented on it. Adults at the stadium noticed it. Our children set a standard that others around them took note of.
Perhaps the most memorable moment, however, came when teams who had been knocked out of the later rounds gathered to watch the semifinals and finals. Rather than heading for the exits or sitting quietly in their own corners, children from different schools chose to cheer on one another. West Ham supporters cheering for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Brentford fans getting behind Bournemouth. Aston Villa celebrations shared with Sunderland. Different clubs, different communities, same generous spirit.
It was a reminder of what sport is for at its very best: not just winning, but belonging. Not just competing, but connecting.
There is something in that which speaks to all of us. In a world where football can sometimes bring out the worst in adults, it was our children who showed us what it looks like at its finest. They played hard, they behaved impeccably, and when the competition was over, they cheered for each other anyway.
We are enormously proud of every single pupil who took part.