BEDALES Prep School, Dunhurst, competed in the Independent Schools’ Football Association (ISFA) under-11 seven-a-side national finals at St George’s Park – the home of the Football Association.

The Dunhurst team, who faced the top independent schools in Hampshire when they won the ISFA under-11 regional tournament in October last year, were delighted to win themselves a place in the finals and to have the chance to experience the state-of-the-art facilities at St George’s Park.

Head of boys’ games at Dunhurst Will Bray said: “The boys were thrilled to be shown into the England dressing room and see where the national team prepare for and recover from training sessions, and thoroughly enjoyed dinner at the Hilton Hotel at St George’s Park.”

Dunhurst were up against tough opposition, including Altrincham Prep School from Manchester, Cumnor House from Croydon, and Claremont Fan Court School from Surrey, who were the eventual group winners.

Will added: “The team left every ounce of energy they had on the pitch and came away with their heads held high.

“They were up against the winners from each of the regional tournaments, of which most of the schools were much larger than ours with a huge number of boys to select their teams from.

“We are all immensely proud of their achievements.”

Anyone who would like more information about Dunhurst School should visit its website at: www.bedales.org.uk/prep for further details.