Some people believe that excellence is a birthright forged by the sharp hand of destiny and fate. Others believe footballing greatness is not inherited; it is paid for. Game after game, shot after shot, tackle after tackle.

Summertime. The business end of the season. For some, a harrowing experience, for others, an opportunity for glory.  An opportunity to etch themselves into the rich folklore of Alsop High School. An opportunity to write their names alongside famous Alsopian footballing legends like Gerard Houllier and Kenny Irons.

A mixed Year 9 and 10 team was select for the competition, the majority of which was made up of the outstanding Year 9 football team which would put the Alsop squad as one of the youngest and smallest in the competition.

Alsop started the group stage strong with their heavy metal brand of football and kept it like that. It was like they had been born to play together as almost immediately, partnerships across the field were made through a telepathic hive mind. In defence, captain Josh R and ball playing defender Dylan C were composed as they were shielded by tenacious CDM Harry L. An industrious midfield engine room of cultured winger Zack G and player of the tournament Leighton K was constantly feeding the forward line of Aidan C and powerful striker Tyler S ammunition to fire.

There were some fantastic teams which Alsop had to overcome including a fiery derby with Archbishop Beck which Alsop narrowly dispatched with a world class 40 yard freekick goal by Harry L.

It was neck and neck at the top of the table all day between Alsop and The Kings Leadership Academy from Toxteth, who boasted a huge imposing team comprising entirely of Year 10’s and it was clear that if we got to the final, this was the team we would likely play. The group stage clash between both schools came round with teams both heading to the knockouts regardless of the result. Mr Smith gave a rousing pre-match speech like Jurgen Klopp telling the players it was important to win this decisively to gain the psychological advantage in the event of both teams meeting in the final. Alsop went on to win 2-0 with powerful striker Tyler S nearly bursting the net with a fierce effort – Alsop Topped the group undefeated.

As the knockouts began, other teams started to play very defensively and cagey trying to take Alsop to penalties. It nearly succeeded in the semi-finals against Childwall, however, they didn’t bank on how much Alsop had been training for set pieces. Alsop were awarded a corner in the dying minutes of the game. As the Childwall defence tried to organise itself, cultured winger Zack G spotted the subtle run of industrious midfielder Leighton K and rolled the ball low and hard towards the near post which Leighton finished confidently and decisively, much to the dismay of the hapless defence. It was no more than Leighton deserved after a mature, composed and confident display throughout the tournament and he rightly went on to receive player of the tournament.

As expected, that left Alsop in the final against The Kings Leadership Academy. With a championship winners medal and a trophy within reach Alsop came out of the blocks strong and fast from the kick off taking the fight to their opponents and putting incredible pressure on Kings. To Kings enormous credit, they sustained wave after wave of Alsop attacks. But it was clear that their previous loss to Alsop had put the seeds of doubt in their mind. A through ball by Leighton K split the defence of their opponents and sent Alsop’s Aidan C straight through on goal. As the helpless Keeper reached out he took down Alsop’s talismanic striker and the referee awarded a penalty. Tyler S bravely stepped up to the spot, his foot dropped like a thousand hammers and he fired it into the back of the net. 1-0 Alsop.

With two minutes left Kings Leadership rallied and threw everybody up front except for their goalkeeper. Mr Smith made a tactical substitution and subbed Aidan for enthusiastic defender George J to soak up the inevitable wave of attack but it was far too late as the referee blew for the final whistle.

Alsop High School won the tournament undefeated and without conceding a goal – well done to all the team who were magnificent and conducted themselves like gentlemen. The perfect way to end the season!

Top scorer – Tyler S (5)

Player of tournament – Leighton K