The boys and girls of St Patrick’s Primary School in Saul, near Downpatrick, have put their school firmly on the futsal map.
Both the boys’ and girls’ sides were victorious at the National Primary Schools Futsal Finals held in the Valley Leisure Centre this week.
Teams from across Northern Ireland took part in the boys’ and girls’ tournaments at the Newtownabbey venue. Competing in the finals were the winners of 10 regional competitions which had been staged across the country in recent months.
The winners and runners-up in round robin groups progressed to the semi-finals in both the boys’ and girls’ tournaments.
In the boys’ competition Lisburn regional heat winners Ballymacash Primary took top place in Group A with Derry-Londonderry winners Ebrington Primary qualifying as runners-up.
In Group B Dundonald Primary School finished on top with St Patrick’s Primary School Saul finishing in second.
Both semi-finals ended in draws and had to be settled on penalties. St Patrick’s defeated Ballymacash and Ebrington booked their place in the final by defeating Dundonald.
St Patrick’s had a fantastic start to the final, scoring three goals in the early stages, but had to hold on late in the game after Ebrington pulled a goal back and piled on the pressure. St Patrick’s eventually ran out 3-1 winners.
The Co Down school’s girls team continued where the boys left off. They won all their group games to advance to the semi-final stage. Lurgan's King’s Park Primary School also advanced in Group A as the runners-up following three wins and one defeat.
In Group B Belfast’s Holy Child Primary School gained 10 points to book their place in the semi-finals, while Antrim winners Ballykeel PS also advanced to the latter stages after registering two wins and two draws.
In the semi-finals one goal was enough for St Patrick’s against Ballykeel and Holy Child defeated King’s Park 2-1.
In the final St Patrick’s scored two early goals before Holy Child reduced their lead with the goal of the day.
But it wasn’t enough and it meant both National Primary Schools Futsal competitions were won by St Patrick’s Primary School, Saul.
You can see a gallery of images from the events below.
Boys & Girls Futsal Finals
