These girls can!

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) is celebrating a double victory, as both their Year 7 and Year 8 teams have been crowned Liverpool City Champions in netball.

Every year netball teams across Liverpool compete against each other in a highly anticipated and competitive city tournament.

The Year 7 and 8 netball teams went head to head with schools across the city to compete for the title as Liverpool City Champions.

Playing to defend their title as Liverpool City Champions 2017, the Year 8 team went head to head with St Edward’s College in the final. Captain Jessie Easglestone was keen to secure another victory and continue their winning streak.

After a tense match, ASFA reigned supreme and won 2-1, with Bonnie Chadwick scoring the winning basket minutes before full-time.

Year 8 student Olivia Williams, who plays goal attack (GA) said: “It’s amazing, I can’t believe we have won this for a second year in a row!”

Meanwhile the Year 7 team took part in a nail biting final against Fazakerley High School. The team put in a fantastic performance and beat Fazakerley 7-1 to win gold and be crowned city champions.

Year 7 Famia Umama, who plays in goal defense (GD) said she “feels unstoppable” after winning the final, while Year 7 Joevann O’Brien (centre) added: “I feel so proud because I have never won a medal before.”

The next round of tournaments will see ASFA compete for the title as Merseyside Champions.
The Kensington academy has a rich sports programme, with basketball, rugby, athletics, dance, badminton, table tennis, handball and trampolining all offered across the curriculum. Following the netball success, students recently excelled at the Secondary Sportshall Athletics completion, organised by Liverpool School Sport Partnership (LSSP).

Girl and boy athletes from Years 7 and 8 placed first across all heats, beating six other schools to reach top of the groups. The ASFA teams have now qualified for the city final, taking place in a few weeks’ time.

Reflecting on the title wins, PE teacher Polly Johnson, said: “Both year groups showed excellent perseverance, determination and commitment which led them to victory!

“All the staff involved are so proud at what the girls have achieved on the netball court. We are looking forward to competing in the Merseyside Championships and continuing our success.”