YOUNG footballers have etched the name of their school on a prestigious trophy for the very first time.
Year 11s will see St Aidan’s Academy emblazoned across the Kvaerner Cleveland Bridge Schools Trophy after defeating Longfield Sports Academy in the final.
Team captain Ethan Harker twice kept his nerve to slot two goals from the penalty spot in a thrilling 3-2 decider.
Owen Porter scored the third rising high above the defence to head home in the top corner in the final, staged at Middlesbrough’s training ground at Rockliffe Hall.
The win was the perfect end to a triumphant season as the boys played for the last time before leaving school.
In the quarter-finals they took a 3-2 victory against Hummersknott Academy and enjoyed an emphatic 8-1 win against The Education Village in the semi-finals.
In the final Longfield took the lead in the first 20 minutes but in the last kick of the first half St Aidan’s equalised.
St Aidan’s 2-1 lead in the second half was neutralised thanks to a deflected goal with the winner coming just five minutes from time.
Ethan said: “Those last five minutes were anxious as they threw everything they had at us. It was great to win for the school as it reflects the way the academy as a whole is heading.”
The team also comprised Reagan Britton, Bailey Weir, Connor Wright, Ryan Bainbridge, Andrew Cocker, Sean Ogston, Jason West, Dawson Clark, Declan Stranks, Lee Hume and Jack Parker.
PE teacher Tom Ptak said: “The boys have played superbly well and the win was a proud moment for us all.”
Principal Nicole Gibbon added: “The team’s incredible determination is now typical of the spirit that exists at St Aidan’s Academy as it goes from strength to strength. This sense of pride now pervades every area of the school to great effect.”
