Sunderland beat Newcastle on way to Premier League title
Sunderland AFC were crowned Premier League champions - thanks to St Bede's Catholic Comprehensive School in Peterlee!
The school’s Under-13 team was representing SAFC after winning their regional heats.
And they wore the Black Cats shirts with pride as they went on to win the Premier League Schools national title - knocking out Newcastle United in the semi-finals!
Over 14,000 young footballers from more than 1,700 schools took part in this year’s tournament, with 320 taking to the pitch for the finals at Everton’s Goodison Park.
St Bede’s won their group stage against Crystal Palace, West Ham, Watford and Manchester United.
The semi-final was a derby between Sunderland and Newcastle, with Sunderland playing a blinder to win 1-0 thanks to a goal from Jasmine McQuade - securing their place in the final against hosts Everton.
Again Sunderland triumphed 1-0 with the vital goal coming from Lucy Whittle.
The girls were presented with a replica Premier League trophy by Everton star Leighton Baines and young prospect Jonjoe Kenny.
St Bede’s PE teacher Gemma Brown said: “To be able to play against teams from other Premier League clubs, on a Premier League pitch and to win a trophy which represents the fact that they are National Champions, is something that the girls will never forget.”
Captain Jasmine McQuade said: “We had a really good day and the atmosphere was amazing. To be able to play in a big stadium like that was even better.”
The players also met TV presenters Lauren Layfield and Mark Wright who were filming for BBC Match of the Day Kickabout. The show will be shown on Saturday.
The full squad was: Olivia Brown, Anya Gilfoyle, Lucy Whittle, Talia Korucu, Caitlyn Jackson, Olivia Arnold, Jasmine McQuade and Alisha James.