The following report was written by our Head Boy, Felix Emanuel.
On January 17, 2025, Lichfield City FC yet again became the venue for the highly anticipated Sixth Form charity football match, where the Year 12s triumphed 5-1 over the Year 13s in an exciting and action-packed contest.
However, the result on the pitch was only part of the story. The event, which attracted a large crowd of 150+ students, staff, and parents was organised to raise funds for the Pathway Project, a local charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable young people in the area.
The event itself topped last year’s figures by raising over £1,500.
The Pathway Project, focuses on providing support for young people facing a range of challenges, including homelessness, mental health issues, and social exclusion. The charity offers vital services like mentoring, educational support, and safe spaces, aiming to give young individuals the tools they need to build a brighter future. The event was a testament to the power of what we can do as students in raising awareness for social causes. The football match, while competitive and entertaining, was always focused on one goal: to give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
In terms of the match., the atmosphere at Lichfield City FC was electric as the stands filled with enthusiastic spectators. Students from both Year 12 and Year 13, along with families, friends, and staff, came together to cheer on their teams, enjoying the football. Throughout the match, donation buckets were passed around to receive donations aiding our cause, and a half time penalty shootout with the fans strengthened our funds adjoined by a raffle for football themed prizes, further boosting the overall total raised for the charity.
As for the football itself, the Year 12s came out all gun’s blazing, determined to claim victory in front of their supporters. The team, composed of younger players with more footballing experience than their Year 13 elders, dominated the game from the outset, with a high-paced and attacking style that overwhelmed the Year 13s. Their outstanding football ability and teamwork on the pitch left the Year 13s astounded and unable to claw back any pride after their defeat the previous year.
While the Year 12s deservedly celebrated their 5-1 victory, the true winner of the day was the Pathway Project, which benefitted from the funds raised during the event. Thanks to the generous donations, raffle ticket sales, and matchday contributions, over £1,500 was raised for the charity. The event displays our community as a sixth form and highlights the things we can do when the year groups join forces, are used to shine a light on important causes.
Felix Emanuel, Head Boy, said: “It’s a shame we have lost again; however the event was excellent, and I am proud of myself and our Senior Seven team for organising such a fantastic night for such a great cause.”
Matt Allman, Headteacher, added: “As a school this event is very much about handing over to the leadership of our Sixth Form students and they deserve all the plaudits for what was a huge success. I’ d also like to thank the team down at Lichfield FC who supported the event wonderfully and share their part in the £1,500 for The Pathway Project. The Year 12s and Year 13s might have battled it out on the football pitch, however the event is an experience the two teams are able to look back at fondly, proud of their achievement and the amount they raised that night.”