On Thursday 17th March, after school, a team including some of Wilson’s finest footballers faced the challenge of playing against a formidable staff line-up in order to raise money for the DEC: Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

The match was organised by the Year 12 Charity Committee, led by Ms. Atwell, with commentary provided by Mr. Walters and Alex in Year 13..

The teachers pushed forwards with a powerful start to the match,, their experience overpowering the flair of the young student team: Mr. Karamath began his siege on the student defence, chasing down loose balls and misjudged and clearances, determined to grab hold of any opportunity. 

Within minutes the staff striker found himself facing the student goalkeeper one-on-one, nonchalantly slotting the ball into the bottom corner – securing the teachers a 1-0 lead.

Approaching half-time, the students struck back when the combination of an in-swinging corner kick and a volley into the bottom-left corner by Felix (Year 13) triumphed over staff goalkeeper Mr Dixon, causing uproar in the student crowd.

But the teachers, though lacking in support, were not lacking in spirit. Captain Mr. McLaughlin and Mr. Ironsides proved a formidable defensive duo, shutting out any student opportunity. Their defensive strength was matched by their offence when Mr. Oluwu found a breakthrough, scoring from the edge of the box.

At this point, the game opened up – chances went flying at both ends of the pitch but it was the teachers who were able to capitalise once more. Receiving a headed through ball from Dr. Johnstone, Mr. Karamath once again slotted the ball into the bottom corner, ending the game 3-1.

Despite the loss, Year 11  student team member, Philo Naguib, described the match as “an exhilarating opportunity to face their teachers in a very different environment”.

Regardless of the score, the real victory was for charity considering £3816.38 were raised via online donations and money collected on the day in buckets.

Considering the student loss, the Year 13 footballers are sure to be hungry for victory in the teachers vs. pupils  leavers’ match, later on this year.