Team England do Nation Proud in Danone Nations' Cup World Final!

Tuesday 25 October 2016By ESFA Office

Last Updated:
10/02/2021 10:49:54

Team from Lewisham scoop 3rd prize in the overall FairPlay ranking

Twelve 11-year-old schoolboy footballers from Lewisham have demonstrated outstanding team spirit as they came together with young teams from all over the world in Paris at this year’s Danone Nations Cup, the largest international football competition for children aged 10 to 12 years old. They were rewarded with the 3rd prize in the tournament’s FairPlay ranking for showing camaraderie and respect to their opponents, coaches, referees and each other. The boys of course also displayed their football skills, being ranked 24th in the world after representing the nation in front of 36,000 people in the Stade de France in the Danone Nations Cup World Finals over the 14th to 16th October.

The team competed in a three-day competition that saw them take on the best young footballers from Brazil, Argentina, and China in the group stages where they racked up three points to progress to the final ranking rounds.

A victory against Italy in the following round was followed by two difficult matches against Portugal and USA before a final encounter with Romania took place in the Stade de France. After a thrilling 1 – 1 draw, the team lost on penalties.

However, the team were applauded by organisers and the tournament’s French ambassador, Blaise Matuidi, as they scooped 3rd prize in the overall FairPlay ranking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvGRs7lQQZs

Marie Wendling, PR and Events Manager at Danone, says: “The team showed great character, sportsmanship, and determination during the tournament, and to finish 24th in the world is an achievement they can really be proud of.”

Former Tottenham, Liverpool, and England centre back John Scales, national ambassador of the tournament, who travelled with the squad to Paris, comments: “What a stunning effort by Team England. Not only did they show class on the pitch but they also showed class off it, and as a result gained recognition in the FairPlay prize rankings. They are fantastic ambassadors for England and school football”.

Blaise Matuidi, French ambassador of the Danone Nations Cup, adds: "The teams all showed tremendous skills and talent on the pitch. I’m very proud to be part of this fantastic programme helping children develop their passion for football and grow with respect for themselves and others around them. I urge everyone to continue to believe in their dreams and wish them the best of luck for the future.”

Every year 2.5 million children worldwide take part in the competition, which is supported by its international ambassador and former World Cup winner Zinédine Zidane, with 3,000 schools competing in the English leg run by the English Schools’ Football Association.

The Danone Nations Cup is a unique FIFA-approved tournament, which represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young players. It is an annual highlight in Danone’s ongoing programme of support for healthy lifestyles through education, fun, and fairplay, which includes its ‘Eat Like A Champ’ healthy eating initiative.

Not only is the tournament endorsed and supported by great ambassadors, the level of football is also very high, and many players go on to have successful professional careers. Previous participants include West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini, Tottenham’s Erik Lamela, and in-demand Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, who all played in the Danone Nations Cup.

The ESFA would like to once again congratulate Lewisham in their fantastic success at this year’s tournament and wish luck to all schools taking part in the Danone Nations’ Cup competitions in England this season!

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