ATLP Schools Soccer Tournament: Dozens of primary school children from five schools across Lichfield and Tamworth took to the football field for a fantastic soccer tournament.
The 2026 ATLP North Hub Primary School Football Tournament brought together 80 boys and girls in Years 5 and 6, who formed eight teams and battled it out on the pitches at Lichfield Leisure Centre.
The schools which participated included Scotch Orchard Primary School, Greysbrooke Primary School, and St Michael’s CofE Primary School, with the latter entering an impressive four teams.
The winning school was St Chad’s CE Primary School, with William MacGregor Primary School coming in second place.
Mike Talbot, ATLP Community Advocate at Scotch Orchard, organised the event to unite the Partnership’s North Hub schools in sport.
Mike said: “The ATLP Schools Soccer Tournament was a fantastic afternoon with some excellent skills on display, even in less than favourable drizzly conditions.
“Despite the rain, the effort of the children and their parents and teachers didn’t go unnoticed. The pupils really got stuck into the game, and families and staff turned out in force to watch and show their support.”
In the end, the final match, a Lichfield v Tamworth derby, between St Chad’s and William MacGregor, ended to 0-0 – with the St Chad’s team taking home the trophy after some tense penalties.
The event was sponsored by Zest Education, an education recruitment agency with a longstanding partnership with ATLP.
Zest kindly provided medals for the winning team, certificates for all of the young players, and even sponsored the pitch hire at Lichfield Leisure Centre’s excellent new football pitch facility.
Mike said: “We’re so thankful to Joanne at Zest for her ongoing support, she was so helpful in setting everything up for this event.”
With Zest’s support, the Trust have been able to put on multiple similar tournaments in the past – and are already looking towards a bright, sport-filled summer.
Joanne said: “After receiving so much positive feedback and enthusiasm from the children, we’re looking to do a summer term tournament when the weather warms up.
“We’re all so proud of how the children played – they showed excellent sportsmanship and spirit, and we hope we can give them a similar opportunity when summer comes.”