South Ayrshire Primary District Squad crowned national champions

The squad emerged victorious from a highly competitive tournament involving authority teams from East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Glasgow and Dundee. South Ayrshire faced Glasgow in the final, securing the title and confirming their status as the top primary school authority football team in Scotland.

Image - South Ayrshire Council

This latest success marks South Ayrshire's second consecutive Association Sevens Championship win. The team is run by the Ayr & District Primary Schools' Football Association and comprises 21 pupils aged 10-12 from 13 primary schools across South Ayrshire: Alloway, Annbank, Braehead, Kingcase, Heathfield, Kincaidston, Struthers, St John's, St Ninian's, St Patrick's, Symington, Wellington and Tarbolton.

Coached by Grant Paterson, teacher at Troon Primary School, and Steven Nutt, teacher at Dundonald Primary School, the squad had been preparing for the competition since last October, following a series of selection trials.

The final included a dramatic winning goal scored in the closing minutes from inside South Ayrshire's own half by Josh, a P7 pupil at Annbank Primary School. The squad also made history this year with the inclusion of their first female player, Gracie, a P7 pupil from Alloway Primary School.

Councillor Chris Cullen, South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Leisure and Community Services, said: "This is an outstanding achievement and a real credit to the pupils, coaches and schools involved. Winning the national championship for the second year in a row is no small feat, and it reflects the talent, commitment and teamwork shown by these young players. It is particularly encouraging to see pupils from across South Ayrshire coming together and representing the area so positively on a national stage."

Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council's Policy Lead for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "This success is a real credit to the pupils, teachers and school staff who support and encourage young people to achieve their best both in and out of the classroom. School sport plays an important role in developing confidence, resilience and teamwork, and this achievement shows what can be accomplished when schools work together to create positive opportunities for learners.

"Congratulations to everyone involved for representing their schools and South Ayrshire so well."

The squad will now look ahead to future Association Sevens Championship competitions, as well as defending the Ayrshire District Cup against East and North Ayrshire.