“England” win Year 5 World Cup. Can the national team do the same?
Published: Thu 18 June 2026Our next generation of footballing talent from primaries across Southwark, Lambeth and Westminster competed in the London Nautical Year 5 World Cup in Kennington Park today, ahead of England’s first match against Croatia. The competition saw a dozen schools each adopt a national team, playing one another in a group stage before finding out which countries made it through to the knockout rounds.
Following the success of our sixth form Football Academy, the primary school tournament coincided with the announcement of our new 11-16 Football Academy for secondary boys, recruiting now for a September 2027 start. Our unique, dual-pathway football and education programme offers elite coaching from Volenti Academy teamed up with a first class education from London Nautical.
Teams kicked off their group stage matches in drizzling rain, but that soon turned into World Cup summer sun as we entered the knockout rounds.
“This tournament is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the new 11-16 Football Academy at London Nautical, part of City of London Academies Trust, which opens next September. There are some brilliant players here today. Some are already associated with clubs, while others are not, but the talent on display has been incredible to watch. It’s also a wonderful occasion to bring together pupils and schools from across Lambeth, Southwark and Westminster. As well as giving students the chance to enjoy a fantastic day of football, it provides an opportunity for us to identify talented young players and support them on their footballing journey.”
Jim Goldsmith, Director of Sixth Form at London Nautical, City of London Academy
“It has been a brilliant day. The boys and girls here today have had the chance to express themselves, showcase their talent and enjoy the tournament atmosphere. As sixth form students, we’re proud to be here supporting them and helping them make the most of the experience.”
Ezra, sixth form student at London Nautical, City of London Academy
After a hard-fought 1-1 draw, the final between Judith Kerr Primary and Allen Edwards Primary, a.k.a. Portugal versus England, went to a nail-biting penalty shootout. The brave penalty takers had nerves of steel and so it went to sudden death, with England finally victorious with the final kick of the game. Well done, Allen Edwards Primary.
Is it a premonition? England, represented by the triumphant pupils from Allen Edwards Primary School, lifted the Year 5 World Cup trophy, including Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner, Noah. After England’s victory over Croatia, excitement is building. Could our young footballers have predicted the future? Will England follow their lead and lift the trophy?
A huge thank you to all the pupils and teachers from our participating primaries, the volunteer officials from our sixth form, Volenti Academy, and the families who came along to cheer on their team. It was an incredibly fun day of football in the sun.
The tournament attracted significant media attention, featuring on BBC London News, ITV London and BBC Radio London. Pupils, teachers and academy leaders from across the Trust shared their experiences of the day, helping to showcase the power of sport in bringing young people together and inspiring future talent.
To learn more about our new 11-16 Football Academy, recruiting Year 7 boys for September 2027, book a place at our Football Academy information evening this summer or open evening in the autumn.