Recently, students from the Inclusive Practice Football Academy returned from two national tournaments with medals, trophies and unforgettable memories and life lessons in teamwork, resilience, and inclusive excellence. Led by George Fake, Mitch Spencer, and supported by staff including Nick Chadwick, Helen Mann, and Pete Lane, the squad competed in two high-level national disability football competitions within a month: the AoC National League Finals in Nottingham and the National Pan Ability Football Cup at St George’s Park. 

In April, the team travelled to Nottingham to face the top regional qualifiers in the AoC National League Finals. Facing fierce competition, they secured two wins and a draw, finishing 5th out of 8 teams in the league. But it was their attitude that stole the spotlight—they were awarded the Fair Play Award, recognising their outstanding sportsmanship and positive spirit. 

 Fast forward to St George’s Park (the home of England’s national teams) the squad was ready for redemption. After a mixed start, the team bounced back with determination. They got impressive wins against teams that had beaten them before, including a perfect performance against Birmingham Met College, who hadn’t lost a game in either tournament. With four dominant wins and a 1-0 victory to close the day, the squad finished top of the league on goal difference. Despite this, the title went to Lincoln College based on head-to-head results - a narrow technicality that didn’t dampen the team's pride. 

Luca Tarman-Cooke from Re-engage was named Player of the Tournament, and every player left the field with a well-earned runners-up medal and a sense of pride that can’t be measured on a scoreboard.  

Reflecting on the experience, George shared: 

“Across the two trips, myself, Nick Chadwick, Helen Mann, Mitch Spencer and Pete Lane could not have been more proud of the efforts of all the players, especially how they rose to the occasion at St George’s and battled adversity and showed excellent resilience and sportsmanship throughout.” 

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