Brookmans Park Primary School were the winners of the 2023 Kids Cup at Wembley Stadium, defeating Concord Junior School 1-0 in the final thanks to a fine header from Stanley Gruar.

It capped off a great campaign for the school representing Watford, who remained unbeaten throughout the season, culminating in lifting the trophy from the Royal Box.

Brookmans Park started the brighter of the contest and forced Concord back in the early stages to try and capitalise on any Wembley nerves, with plenty of players getting forward and putting crosses into the box.

But it was Concord who had the first real chance of the game through their captain, Tommy Stone, who weaved his way through the Brookmans Park defence before his shot was blocked.

Brookmans Park then created their opening chance soon after when Jake Whiteson shot over the bar as an end to end first half continued, and Gruar was causing all sorts of problems for Concord with his direct dribbling and desire to get his side in front.

Concord, representing Sheffield United, nearly went ahead before the break with a free-kick from inside their own half – the ball bouncing all the way through which meant Finlay Cockayne in the Brookmans Park goal had to be alert to push it away.

Brookmans Park started the second half similar to the first with plenty of chances falling their way, as Concord had to defend well with bodies on the line to stop Gruar and then Whiteson from scoring in quick succession.

Then, finally, the pressure told and Brookmans Park went one up. A corner from the left was hung up into the middle and Gruar got up above both Concord defenders and a couple of his own teammates to nod home into the top corner.

The team in yellow deserved their lead – and that lead was close to being doubled as striker Harvey Prior had his shot blocked by the Concord backline once more, before he fired the rebound over the bar.

Prior couldn’t find the target with a looping header from a long throw to make the last few minutes more comfortable for Brookmans Park, but they saw out the contest on a hot afternoon to be crowned the winners.

And Brookmans Park’s captain, Ryan Todd, was delighted to follow in the footsteps of other players and lift a trophy under the Wembley arch.

“It’s amazing to have the opportunity to play here,” he said. “All the famous captains that have took a trophy up there and lifted it – it’s just amazing!”


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