NEWCOMERS St Paul’s School are on top of the world after they won the principal prize in the Tregelles World Cup football tournament hosted by York’s Mount Junior School.

A total of 16 teams of boys and girls in Years 3 and 4 took part and each represented a World Cup nation. Teams came from Tregelles and two other independent schools and also, the two School Sports Partnerships in York – Ebor and Jorvik.

After a qualifying round the teams were grouped into gold, silver and bronze leagues where they played to try and win their very own replica World Cup trophy.

Top prize went to St Paul’s, who stormed to victory in the gold league ahead of second-placed English Martyrs, who climbed a place from last year. Our Lady’s were third, way above their fifth position in the silver league last year.

Copmanthorpe finished top by just two points in the silver league from Elvington with Chapter House and Archbishop of York Juniors claiming third equal after points and goal difference could not separate them.

Last year’s gold champions Lakeside found it a little harder going this year but still came away with the top prize in the bronze league ahead of Heworth and Bootham Junior Schools.

“This has been a terrific event for the schools and the young footballers,” said Tim Moat, a Tregelles parent and main organiser of the event.

“It was great that the business community and individuals rallied round to support the event through sponsorship which meant we could stage a tournament of real prestige – the World Cup replica trophies we gave to the winners were brilliant.”

Referees from York High and Huntington Schools kept the games flowing brilliantly and picked out Ralph Butterfield School as the winners of the fair play award – collecting t-shirts, caps, badges and lanyards kindly donated by FIFA.

All players received a medal and a free hot dog.

Special thanks go to event sponsors Garbutt & Elliott, Wigginton Dental Practice and Mulberry Hall.

Gold league: 1 St Paul’s, 2 English Martyrs, 3 Our Lady’s, 4 Clifton with Rawcliffe, 5 Rufforth.

Silver league: 1 Copmanthorpe, 2 Elvington, joint third Archbishops and Chapter House, 5 Hempland, 6 Tregelles.

Bronze league: 1 Lakeside, 2 Bootham Junior, 3 Heworth, 4 Ralph Butterfield School, 5 Park Grove.