Young footballers to join Notts County at Wembley

A school football team from Nottingham are to play at Wembley on the same day as Notts County after reaching the final of a national competition.

The team, from Lady Bay Primary School, won a penalty shoot-out earlier this year to secure their spot in the EFL Utilita Kids Cup final on Monday.

Now the young players will be the warm-up act for Notts County who take to the turf an hour later to play Salford City for a place in League One.

The school's head teacher Steve Border said reaching the final was a "great achievement" for his pupils.

The EFL competition is designed to give school children a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at the famous stadium.

Lady Bay Primary School's team, made up of players from Years 5 and 6, saw off competition from other local sides to earn the right to represent Notts County at the Northern Region final.

They then overcame teams representing other League Two sides including Chesterfield, Shrewsbury Town and Barrow before their shootout win over Salford City earned them their place at Wembley.

Border, who is also their coach, said: "We moved on to the Northern Region final and we played against 12 teams there. We did fantastically well, winning 10 of the games and drawing one.

"We [the team] haven't lost a game all season yet and we're hoping that continues into the final as well.

"It's definitely the pinnacle of my coaching career. It's a great achievement for the school, for the boys and for everyone to get this far."

Josh Wing, from the Notts County Foundation, said: "We see a lot of talent on show from all schools from all corners of Nottinghamshire. Lady Bay has always stood out."

Ethan, 11, who plays up front, said: "It's beyond imagination, honestly. I thought it would never happen, but I've always dreamed of it, so it's good."

Central midfielder Dan, 11, said: "We're going to Wembley, the home of England, the national team and hopefully we can pull a win out the bag."

Meanwhile 10-year-old Walter, who also plays for Notts County Academy, said: "It's a one lifetime opportunity really.

"To have it as a kid is beyond my imagination. It's really exciting, I just can't wait."

Team-mate Albie, 11, said: "It's just going to be an amazing experience.

"I went to Wembley to watch Forest get promoted four or five years ago and I never dreamt that I'd be able to play on this pitch, especially at such a young age."

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