SANDON JMI School s under-11 football team have been crowned joint National Small School Champions. In a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the talented youngsters took to the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium and battled it out with Whitehouse School of Tyne

SANDON JMI School's under-11 football team have been crowned joint National Small School Champions.

In a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the talented youngsters took to the hallowed turf of Wembley Stadium and battled it out with Whitehouse School of Tyneside in front thousands of spectators.

However, after a tight encounter, Sandon settled for a share of the honours as the final ended 0-0.

Sandon had reached the final of the National Small Schools Final, following Jake Long's cool semi-final winner that saw off Somerset champions Weston Zoyland.

Team coach Ruth Reynolds said: "What an unbelievable experience - I'm proud of them all!

"It was such a wonderful achievement to get to a national final, and they deserved to come away with a trophy.

"In a way I'm pleased that the trophy was shared, because it meant both teams could go home as winners, and every one of them will always remember that day."

Team captains Matthew Stout and Jake Long lifted the trophy in front of the 300 Sandon supporters that had travelled down with the team.

Matthew said: "It was a brilliant day and I couldn't believe how nice the stadium and pitch were.

"Hopefully I'll play there again one day!"

Jake added: "It was a great game, but I did think that we were unlucky not to win.

"I've really enjoyed playing in the competition, and it's amazing to be national champions. I will never forget playing at Wembley!