On Wednesday 20 November 2013, the Stanley boys’ football team represented the school in the borough football tournament at NPL. In the morning group stages, the team were without doubt placed in the strongest group. They played some lovely football and beat St Richard’s and St Andrew’s 1-0, St Edmund’s 1-0, Archdeacon 3-0, East Sheen (with three academy players) 1-0 and Buckingham 2-0. This guaranteed them a place in the cup competition in the afternoon with the other best 15 teams from the morning session. In the knockout stages they beat Archdeacon 2-0; in the quarter finals they showed great character coming from behind to defeat a very strong Chase Bridge team 2-1. Denmead were Stanley's semi- final opponents, and we dispatched them 2-0.

In the final, with scouts from Arsenal, Fulham, Charlton and Brentford watching, the boys came up against the winners from the Hampton Grammar School 5 a-side tournament- Hampton Juniors. Again, the boys showed a great attitude after going a goal behind to come back and win the tournament 2-1! This was a fully deserved victory, with every single one of the squad contributing brilliantly and showing a great attitude. This was a fantastic performance and a really fitting send- off for Mr Watson in his final Richmond Borough tournament! Well played, boys. Thanks to Aaron Downes, Andy Scates and Mr Watson for helping coach the boys. The team will now go on and represent Richmond at the London Youth Games at Crystal Palace.

Please see below a photo of the victorious team. The young lad on the right of the photo is Sam Saunders of Brentford who presented the trophy!