SCHOOL footballers in Wellington are celebrating after reaching the regional finals of the ESFA Danone Nations Cup, the English leg of the world’s biggest football tournament for 10-12 year-olds.

Wellesley Park Primary School successfully progressed through the county knockout rounds of the tournament and will now compete in the South West regional finals, which will take place on Saturday, March 25, at Somerdale Pavilion, Keynsham.

Wellesley Park will compete against teams from across the South West in a bid to reach the national final. The winning team from the national final will earn a place in the Danone Nations Cup world finals which take place in the USA later this year.

Two and a half million children worldwide take part in the competition each year, with 3,000 schools competing in the English leg run by the English Schools Football Association.

Former Tottenham, Liverpool, and England centre back John Scales, ambassador of the ESFA Danone Nations Cup, said: “This is a truly remarkable project that brings joy to so many children across the globe. I’m proud to have offered my support to the Danone Nations Cup over the last 15 years. It’s fantastic to see kids come together for a competition that promotes fair play, being active, and eating well, all whilst having fun. I wish Wellesley Park Primary School the best of luck in the regional finals.

Marie Wendling, PR and events manager at Danone, said: “We’re looking forward to celebrating the best footballing talent from the South West, and Wellesley Park has shown great team spirit and passion so far – may the best team win!”

This year, Danone will also be rewarding the unsung Match Day Heroes of local football. Whether it’s a dedicated spectator or a teacher that drives their squad across the region to compete, all teams taking part in the regional finals have been asked to nominate their heroes. Danone wants to celebrate those that make the ESFA Danone Nations Cup an unforgettable experience for the players.

The ESFA Danone Nations Cup is a unique FIFA-approved tournament, which has been given the Government’s ’Inspired by 2012’ seal of approval. It is an annual highlight in Danone’s ongoing programme of support for healthy lifestyles through education, fun and fair play, which includes its ’Eat Like A Champ’ healthy eating initiative.