Priory Tigers U9s were crowned champions less than 24 hours after watching Hull City win promotion at Wembley
Another Tigers victory, this time for the Priory Tigers U9s from Hull(Image: supplied image)
Priory Tigers U9s from Hull completed an unforgettable football weekend in London by winning a prestigious tournament at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge less than 24 hours after watching Hull City secure victory at Wembley. The young side, made up of 11 players and supported by 33 parents, grandparents, siblings and friends, travelled to London for a once-in-a-lifetime tournament at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge on Sunday, May 24, after months of fundraising efforts to make the trip possible.
The tournament had been booked late last year, with players and families undertaking a series of fundraising events – including a sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge – to help cover entry fees and hotel and travel costs. However, what had been planned as a special football trip quickly became even more memorable when Hull City reached the Championship play-off final at Wembley the day before.
With hotels and trains already secured before City’s play-off push, the Priory Tigers players – many of whom are also Hull City season ticket holders – were determined not to miss the occasion. A frantic effort from families and supporters ensured all of the boys were able to attend the Wembley match together. It was a particularly unique occasion as none of them were born when Hull City last won promotion in 2016!
Inspired by their heroes, Priory Tigers took to the Stamford Bridge pitch the following morning and produced some remarkable performances, winning the tournament against teams from across the UK. The side scored 12 goals and conceded just twice on their way to lifting the trophy on what is likely to be the best pitch many of the players have ever experienced – and one Hull City will be playing on themselves next season.
Priory Tigers currently compete in Group One of the Hull & District Boys Mini Soccer League and are coached by Billy Telford, Matt Collinson and Chris Swift. Coach Billy Telford said: “Firstly, we are blessed to have such a fantastic group of boys who are all mates and play for each other on the pitch. They were brilliant all weekend.
“On the pitch they were fantastic as always, and off the pitch they were fantastic too. We’re also incredibly lucky to have such a great group of parents, grandparents and siblings supporting them – it’s honestly unbelievable. The weekend felt magical with how everything came together, but in reality it was a lot of hard work from dedicated parents wanting the best for their families and the boys.
“The fact we all made it happen just shows how strong we are as a group. To see the lads experience Wembley, then Stamford Bridge, and come away from both as winners is amazing. For the Priory Tigers players and families, it was a football weekend they will never forget – watching Hull City triumph at Wembley before creating their own piece of history at Stamford Bridge.”
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