Belle Vue Primary School, representing Carlisle United Community Sports Trust, were a semi-finalist in the Premier League Primary Stars National Girls Football Tournament - Regional Qualifier on Tuesday 11 March.
The competition took place at Cochrane Park in Newcastle and was hosted by the Newcastle United Foundation, who invited the teams back to St. James' Park for a tour and PL Primary Stars session.
A strong performance in the group stage saw the Belle Vue side progress to the semi-finals, but they lost to Newcastle United, who were beaten by eventual winners Harrogate Town in the final.
The girls faced Sunderland in their first game, losing 1-0 before beating the hosts Newcastle by a single goal in the second fixture.
A draw with Middlesbrough was followed up by a convincing 2-0 win over Hartlepool United before ending the preliminary round with a two-goal defeat to Harrogate.
Despite a fantastic effort to match the Magpies outfit for the majority of the semi-final, their ruthlessness in front of goal proved crucial as they narrowly progressed into the final.
The girls then enjoyed an outstanding tour around St. James Park, getting insight into the new changing rooms and experiencing different aspects of the stadium.
Staff from the Newcastle United Foundation put on PL Primary Stars-themed activities to cover the values of the project and enhance the experience.
Carlisle United Community Sports Trust Community Coach, Dillan Corrie said: "Well done to the girls, who did their school and Carlisle United proud by reaching the semi-finals against tough opposition.
"They showed superb skill and resilience throughout the morning, coming very close to reaching the final.
"It was also fantastic to include a Premier League Primary Stars session and a tour of St. James' Park which provided a great balance of football and learning on the day."
Belle Vue Primary School Headteacher, Andrew Cairns added: "The tournament was a great day from start to finish.
"The quality of football from all teams was of a really high standard, and we were very proud of the girls reaching the semi-finals following superb performances on the pitch.
"The tour of St. James' Park and the team building activities organised by Newcastle United Foundation afterwards were top class - a great day was had by all."
