A SOUTHAMPTON Primary School competed against the best young talent in the country in the National Finals of the Danone Nations Cup - the world’s biggest football tournament for 10 to 12-year-olds.

Having triumphed earlier in the year in the county knockout rounds and the resulting regional final, Hollybrook Junior School competed at Leicester’s King Power Stadium in the Schools Cup at the ESFA Danone Nations Cup National Finals.  

Hollybrook failed to qualify from their group, banking four points out of a possible nine. 

But they did win the prestigious Fair Play award, impressing a panel of judges with their behaviour.

Charlotte Broos, CSR manager at Danone says: “Hollybrook had a sensational tournament.

"They played extremely well throughout the numerous rounds and have been an absolute credit to Southampton.

“The local community really got behind the team and the support paid off.

"I have no doubt that this is not the last we’ll see of Hollybrook Junior School."

Former Tottenham, Liverpool and England centre back John Scales, ambassador of the tournament, said: “Hats off to the team for an outstanding performance at the national finals.

“I was taken aback by just how well they represented the values that this tournament is all about.

"They were an absolute privilege to watch.”

In total 2.5m children worldwide take part in the competition each year, with 3,000 schools competing in the English leg run by the English Schools’ Football Association.