St Cuthbert’s triumph in Spain

May Day bank holiday weekend saw St Cuthbert’s School in St Helens take 34 students on a football and netball development tour to the Atalaya Park resort, Estepona, Costa Del Sol.

Students and staff flew out to Malaga and then travelled on to Atalaya Park Golf Resort, arriving late afternoon. The first day ended with fun, activity and enjoyment at Aqua-Mijas Water Park, where students and staff had free rein of a deserted park, competing against one another on slides and supporting one another on a difficult water-rapid trail.

For a number of the children, this was their first time overseas, away from home.

Day two started with netball and football training; students working through the heat but did so with smiles on their faces.

Further training on day three was the order of the day for the boys in preparation for their evening fixture, whilst our girls enjoyed a rounders’ match. Throughout the afternoon, some downtime allowed the boys opportunity to relax and recover, whilst the girls enjoyed some aqua aerobics and pool-side activities.

Prior to the match against Inter Marbella, the St Cuthbert’s boys trained intensely in difficult, warm conditions and did so with focus and commitment to one another.

They produced a committed and hard-working performance against a technically shrewd opponent. For the first 30 minutes of the game St Cuthbert’s had the better chances of the two teams, and were unlucky to go into half time 3-2 down.

Harrison R made a phenomenal penalty save and two follow up saves to deny Inter Marbella increasing their lead further. Adam B and Jack K linked up excellently on the right side of the pitch to create a number of chances. As the second half progressed, fitness did start to take its toll as the conditions started to have a major influence on the game.

Inter Marbella increased their lead further, adding two well-worked goals in the second half; before a late consolation goal from our boys gave the score line a true reflection of their attitude and effort.

The final score line was 5-3 to Inter Marbella with goals for St Cuthberts scored by captain Kieran S, and two goals from Nathan B. Nathan B was awarded the man of the match for his robust performance in the game.

Nicola Lethbridge, curriculum leader for physical education and health and social care at St Cuthbert’s said: “Students’ behaviour was exemplary throughout the trip and it was a pleasure to give them this opportunity and help them create fantastic life-long memories”.