Albion in the Community’s flagship series of school football tournaments continued at the American Express Elite Performance Centre this week.
AITC organises a string of tournaments under the Albion Cup umbrella. Schools throughout Sussex are invited to take part, with the finals of each age group held at the training ground.
Bohunt School Worthing became the first Albion Cup winners of 2018 when they beat Shoreham Academy 3-0 in the final of the under-13 tournament last month.
And earlier this week Patcham High School joined them on the list of current champions after winning the under-16 competition. A total of 14 schools took part in Monday’s tournament, with Patcham beating St Wilfrid’s 7-6 on penalties after drawing the final 1-1.
AITC also used Monday’s event to promote its alternative post-16 education programme, which allows students to combine studying towards a BTEC with playing futsal or 11-a-side football for the charity.
Albion legends Danny Cullip and Guy Butters help coach and mentor students on AITC’s BTEC programme and were both at this week’s tournament to encourage the schools taking part and talk to students about AITC BTEC course. Current AITC BTEC scholars also helped organise the tournament and officiate during games.
Cullip was certainly impressed by what he saw – on and off the pitch.
He said, “It's great for the young people taking part. We had 14 schools come and join us and there was some really good football played - and in good spirits too.”
Dan Garrett, PE and school sport development officer at AITC, added, “Our Albion Cup tournaments are a great way for schools to compete locally and experience the thrill of playing at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre – the same venue their Albion heroes train at.
“We still have places available in a number of other tournaments, so I would encourage teachers to get in touch with us quickly as the tournaments are now coming thick and fast.”
Over the course of the 2017/18 academic year, AITC will deliver 30 different tournaments catering for all ages and ability levels and all coming under the Albion Cup banner.
AITC also runs competitions for primary schools in partnership with the Premier League.
For more information, or to enter a team, please email: schools@albioninthecommunity.org.uk.
Or for more information on AITC’s BTEC programme, email: BTEC@albioninthecommunity.org.uk.