Squad goals: triumph for St Francis' netball teams

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi saw their Year 7 and Year 8 teams crowned Liverpool City Champions

Posted by Julian Owen | January 30, 2018 | Sports & leisure

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• #academy-of-st-francis-of-assisi
• #liverpool-city-champions
• #asfa
• #polly-johnson

Every year, netball teams across Liverpool compete against each other in a highly anticipated and competitive City Tournament.

Year 7 and 8 teams from the Academy of St Francis of Assisi went head to head with schools across the city to compete for the title of Liverpool City Champions.

Netball is seeing a boom in England, last year seeing a 44% increase in participation at grass roots level with nearly 30,000 players pounding courts. At ASFA, 30 students from Years 7-11 attend netball club every week.

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

Year 8 student Olivia Williams, who plays goal attack, 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.

The next round of tournaments, which began on 25 January, sees ASFA compete for the title of Merseyside Champions.

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.”