SANDON School are on their way to Wembley after being crowned South East England Small Schools Champions. The budding Year 5 and 6 footballers are set for the opportunity of a lifetime and will take to the hallowed Wembley turf that has been graced by th

SANDON School are on their way to Wembley after being crowned South East England Small Schools Champions.

The budding Year 5 and 6 footballers are set for the opportunity of a lifetime and will take to the hallowed Wembley turf that has been graced by their heroes Steven Gerrard, Rio Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, for the national finals.

After qualifying for the regional finals as champions of Hertfordshire, Sandon breezed through Saturday's tournament, seeing off the champions of Surrey, Sussex, Norfolk, Essex, and Kent.

Ellis Brown scored an extra-time winner to see off Catsfield C of E School of Sussex in the final in a game coach Ruth Reynolds described as "emotional".

She said: "The team has been doing brilliantly this year, and they certainly deserved to be South East England champions.

"There were certainly a few tears shed.

"We're all looking forward to making the trip to Wembley and it's going to be a great honour.

"I'm really proud of them all and I think we have a great chance of winning!"

Sandon captain Matthew Stout said: "I can't wait to lead the team out at Wembley. It's going to be really exciting. I've told all of my friends and family."

Vice captain Jake Long said: "We would love to win the national finals and it's going to be unbelievable following in the footsteps of my favourite player Steven Gerrard."

The National Small Schools Final takes place on Saturday, April 26, and will precede England under-18s' clash with Scotland for the Centenary Shield.

Sandon head teacher Margaret Gilbert said: "Mrs Reynolds has put in so much time and effort.

"She's a brilliant teacher. I'm immensely proud of them all and I think the whole school, if not the whole village, will be going to Wembley in support!"

Picture: DANIEL WILSON