On Thursday 5^th July, 6 children set off for Moulton College. They were about to take on the best teams from each of the Northampton districts in a Quicksticks hockey tournament to see who would become the best team in the county. It was a blisteringly hot day, with temperatures on the pitch quickly reaching 30 degrees. The tournament kicked off with a nervous start, and Irchester went 2 goals down in the opening match. However, this didn’t last long, as they suddenly came to life, to turn things around and win 4-2. This was a sign of things to come. All children performed heroically throughout, never letting their heads drop if they went a goal down, and defending as if their lives depended on it. They won every game in their group, beating the best teams from all of the other districts. This meant a final, against the other East Northants team – ‘Our Ladies’ from Wellingborough. It was a superbly fought match, which eventually ended in a 2-2. The 2 teams decided to settle for joint first place, and had the pleasure of collecting their enormous trophy and beautiful, golden medals on the main stage at the end of the day. They should all be extremely proud of themselves, and will go down in Irchester history, for being the first ever sporting county champions. Well done Kye (Captain), Hannah, Fenn, Katie, Ronnie and Hazel.

Last week 4 children from year 5 were selected to attend the Sports Leaders conference in Wellingborough. Over 100 children from other schools were there and the intention of the day was for them to learn sports leadership techniques and try out some new inclusive sports such as goal ball, sitting volley ball and new age curling.

During this conference the children also heard a talk and completed a training session with a GB footballing Paralympian. He told his us his heart breaking but inspirational story, and then stayed to give out autographs and have photographs with all children. Coby, Megan, Erin and Cameron were exceptional throughout. They had a wonderful time and can’t wait to put everything into action as they become Irchester Sports Leaders in the very near future.