Dulverton Primary School enjoyed a memorable journey to Wembley Stadium after reaching the Utilita Kids Cup national final as Charlton Athletic’s representatives.
New Eltham-based Dulverton reached the final of the national competition by first winning Charlton Athletic Community Trust’s (CACT’s) local qualifying tournament before progressing through the regional finals against schools representing 11 other Championship clubs.
Victory in the regional finals earned New-Eltham based Dulverton a place in the national final at Wembley Stadium, played ahead of the recent Sky Bet Championship play-off final.
In the lead-up to the occasion, pupils took part in a series of special experiences designed to prepare them for the biggest match of their young footballing careers. The squad visited Sparrows Lane, where they met first-team players and staff and gained an insight into life at a professional football club.
They also received words of encouragement from men’s first-team captain Greg Docherty and former Addicks captain Jason Pearce, both of whom shared stories about their promotion-winning experiences with the Addicks at Wembley.
As part of their preparations, Dulverton also faced reigning Utilita Kids Cup champions St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in a friendly fixture. St Mary’s represented Charlton in last season’s competition and lifted the national trophy at Wembley, giving Dulverton the opportunity to test themselves against the current holders before their own final appearance.
The national final, against a school representing Blackburn Rovers, proved to be a closely contested encounter. Charlton created the standout chance of the first half when captain George Garvey forced a smart save from Rovers goalkeeper Max Mather, who reacted sharply to keep the scores level.
Blackburn responded after the break with a golden opportunity of their own. Striker Oscar Dullenty burst through on goal and attempted to round Charlton goalkeeper Harry Eastwood, only for Eastwood to stand firm and make a crucial stop.
After a stalemate in normal time, Dulverton were edged out 3-2 on penalties by Blackburn’s Langho and Billington St Leonard’s CE School. Despite the result, the pupils represented both their school and Charlton impeccably throughout the competition.
Blackburn Rovers lineup: Max Mather (GK), Hugh Russell-Blackburn (C), Cody Andrew, Thomas Parker, Reggie Hutchinson, Daniel Bird, Thomas Brown, Alfie Whitehead, Oscar Dullenty
Charlton Athletic lineup: Harry Eastwood (GK), Tommy Golding, Henry Usher, Henry Golding, Ollie Angelo, Henry Brown, Leandro Reid Neves, Reece Hillier, George Garvey (C)
