Whitgift to represent England in South Africa (From Surrey Comet)

Whitgift to represent England in South Africa

9:51am Wednesday 19th May 2010 in

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Whitgift School will represent England in the World Final of the Danone Nations Cup in South Africa.

Their U12 team beat St Cuthbert's School 1-0 in yesterday's England final at Stamford Bridge, meaning they have now secured their place at October's World Final in Johannesburg as Team England.

Andre Coker scored the only goal of a close game and the pupils only found out afterwards they will be going to South Africa.

Head of football at the school, Colin Pates, said: “The boys have enjoyed the competition immensely and it is an honour for our school to be representing England in Johannesburg.

"They have worked really hard and deserve this chance, I hope we can do England proud and bring home the Danone Nations Cup to our home town of Croydon.”

The World Final of the Danone Nations Cup is endorsed by FIFA as a celebration of sport which brings together more than 2.5m children in the early rounds from 40 different countries and cultures.

It is supported by many legends of the game including the tournament ambassador Zinedine Zidane and recently signed ambassador to ESFA Danone Nations Cup, Peter Crouch.

Crouch, currently away with the England World Cup squad, said: “I’m pleased to hear the result of the match and wish Whitgift School the very best for the tournament in South Africa.

"It is such an amazing opportunity for these children as they are representing their country at such a young age.

"The Danone Nations Cup is a great way to get young people motivated about their sport, it gives them the chance to really make an impact and, you never know, one day one or more of these young players could be representing England in the World Cup just as I am.”