MALVERN St James’ pupils overcame rain and the bitter cold to become the English Schools Football Association’s Worcestershire girls’ under 11s champions.

They won the county tournament at South Bromsgrove High School after qualifying as Malvern district champions with an unbeaten record and without conceding a goal.

The youngsters were pitted against Worcester’s Claines Primary, Wyre Forest’s Sutton Park Primary, Redditch’s Walkwood Middle and Bromsgrove’s Parkside Middle in a league.

Malvern St James again went undefeated without letting a goal in to become Worcestershire victors.

Ian Fry, prep teacher and teacher in charge of football, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our girls.

“They have worked so hard and thoroughly deserved their success at the district competition.

“The quality of the opposition was obviously higher at the county event but the girls again deservedly came out on top. To represent Worcestershire at the Midlands regional finals is a huge honour and will be a fantastic challenge for us and a great experience for the girls.

“The progress the girls have made since the beginning of the year has been phenomenal.

“There is certainly work to be done on improving further before the regional competition but I know the girls will be up for the challenge.

“I could not be more proud of all my team.”

They will represent the county at the Midlands finals on April 28 at Nottingham University.