LEWISHAM U11s are through to next month’s regional finals of the Danone Nations Cup, the world’s biggest football tournament for ten to 12-year-olds.

The team, which is made up of primary school youngsters from across the borough, successfully progressed from the county knockout rounds of the tournament.

They will now compete in the regional finals of the tournament at Chigwell School in Essex at the regional stage, with the winners in March going on to compete in a national final for the chance to earn a place in October’s world finals in Brazil.

Each year, 2.5m children worldwide take part in the competition, which has former France and Real Madrid captain Zinedine Zidane as international ambassador, with 3,000 schools competing in the English leg run by the English Schools’ Football Association.

Tournament ambassador and former England defender John Scales said: “I am so proud to have so closely supported the Danone Nations Cup for almost 10 years now.

“It’s a truly remarkable project that brings joy to thousands of kids nationally.

“Being active, eating well, having fun and working hard as part of a team are fundamental pillars of influencing the many that participate.”

Danone’s CSR manager Charlotte Broos added: “Congratulations to Lewisham PSFA (Primary Schools’ Football Association).

“They have had a great tournament so far and we hope the children are enjoying this unique mix of football, friendship and fair play.”

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