Wembley beckons for primary school football stars

Rising stars from Bradford City surprised a primary school football team to wish them luck after they reached a cup final at Wembley.

Under 11s from Blakehill Primary School will represent Bradford in the six-a-side Utilita Kids Cup Final on 24 May, when they face Wimbledon.

On Tuesday, they honed their skills ahead of the match alongside players from Bradford City's Academy, which supports youngsters up to the age of 18.

Teacher Mathew Lumb said it was an "amazing day" when Blakehill beat a Barnsley side to reach the final, and he was confident the children would bring the trophy home.

"It's everything. They love football, they're football mad. So just to be able to walk out on to that Wembley pitch, when many professional footballers don't get that opportunity, is a dream come true," he said.

"They all work hard, they're all really invested in the game so I would love one of them to make it professionally further down the line."

Striker Emily, who also plays for Bradford City Girls Under 11s, said it would be a memory she would "never forget".

"We're going to do well. When we get on that pitch we need to be switched on and I think we all want to win," she said.

Team captain Ollie said it was "astonishing" to make it to the final.

"It's a great moment. We've done well to get there, we've beaten some great teams."

The team were visited by Bradford City Under 18s players, including centre back Oscar.

"They look like a good group, a lot of talent in there for such young kids, so it's exciting to see what they can do in the final," he said.

"I wouldn't mind playing at Wembley, I would be excited if I was them.

"Hopefully one day I can do what they're doing."

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