Gladstone Primary School will represent Port Vale at the Football League’s Kids Cup regional final next month.

Sixteen schools registered for the local competition, run by the Club’s Foundation Trust, for the chance to go to Coventry in a few weeks’ time.

But there could only be one winner and, following a dramatic penalty shootout win over St Nathaniel’s in the final, it was Gladstone that walked away with the prize.

The players received trophies and certificates, presented by Vale stars Michael O’Connor and Chris Birchall, and will now progress to the tournament’s regional stage, the winner of which will go on to the national finals at Wembley Stadium in May.

The school’s PE Co-ordinator, Mr Rammell, commented: “The children were absolutely ecstatic after their victory. 

“They work hard each week at training sessions with myself and Mr Egginton. Football means the world to them. 

“They play on the school MUGA at every opportunity- each and every break time. Six out of seven of the boys are in school Year 6. 

“Alfie Lummis is the youngest member of the team in Year 5. Year 6 is a difficult year with the pressures of SATs, but victories such as this will benefit them greatly in terms of their academic achievement, as it has given them all a massive boost of confidence.

“They pride themselves on passing the ball out from the goalkeeper and dominating possession. They occasionally forget to shoot and lack the goals required to win the match. 

“However, this was different as they progressed through to the semi finals with a number of goals. 

“They were delighted to win both the semi final and final on penalty shootouts. They cannot wait to represent Port Vale in Coventry.”

Foundation Trust Manager, Tom Sherratt, added: “The local competition went really well and we’d like to congratulate Gladstone on coming out on top.

“We’re delighted that they can now represent the Club in Coventry in a few weeks’ time.”