A?TEAM?from Dunhurst, Bedales’ prep school, has won the Independent Schools Football Association under-11s seven-a-side regional tournament, qualifying them for the national finals next May.

The young Dunhurst footballers, who hosted the tournament, were delighted to win six out of their seven matches, including beating Sherbourne House 5-1 and St John’s College 4-1.

Will Bray, head of boys’ games at Dunhurst in Steep, near Petersfield, said: “All of the boys did so well and put their all into each game. It was a fantastic afternoon with some sublime football on show. All the teams involved played in a great manner.”

Eight schools participated in the Hampshire qualifier, including Portsmouth Grammar School, Prebendal School, Kingscourt School, Prince’s Mead School, and Twyford School.

Twyford took second place, but it will be Dunhurst progressing to the national finals at St George’s Park – home of the English Football Association – next spring.

Will added: “Although we were the eventual winners today, there were a number of other schools who could have clinched the tournament. Dunhurst shone through because the team worked hard for each other all afternoon.”

The Independent Schools Football Association is affiliated to the FA and is responsible for developing and promoting the game of football in the independent school sector.

The under-11s tournament is its largest competition with around 170 schools participating in 14 regional tournaments.