A SUNDERLAND architects and engineering practice has pitched in to kit out a winning girls’ football team.
Building Design Northern (BDN) stepped in at the 11th hour to support the under 16 girls’ football team from St Bedes and Byrons School in Peterlee, County Durham, providing them with kit to take part in the National ESFA Under 16 Girls Elite Football Cup.
The team went on to clinch victory, the first North East girls under 16 team to do so in the tournament’s 22-year history.
Clinton Mysleyko, who works for BDN’s sister company Fitz Architects, connected BDN with the St Bedes and Byrons School team which is captained by his daughter Eva.
Sporting their BDN branded strips, the girls beat Fullbrook School from Surrey 2-1 in a tight final played out at English Championship side Stoke City’s Bet 365 Stadium. The match has had 14,000 views on YouTube and was live streamed through the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) channel.
Goals from Teigan Wilson and Ellen Atkinson either side of half time set up the victory for the North East side, who also won the ‘Durham Schools County Cup’ to be regional and now national champions. They have won every game they have played this season, earning them a deserved reputation as the invincibles.
Goals from Teigan Wilson and Ellen Atkinson either side of half time set up the victory for the North East side, who also won the ‘Durham Schools County Cup’ to be regional and now national champions. They have won every game they have played this season, earning them a deserved reputation as the invincibles.
After the final whistle, St Bede’s captain Eva Mysleyko said:
“Just look at the scenes, look at the celebrations. We’ve all worked so hard for this, and the girls have all been amazing.”
Team Manager Michael Eggleston said:
“This is the culmination of five years of hard work for the girls. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but from day one I knew this was a special group and their dedication has brought them the ultimate reward in schools’ football.
“The buzz around the school has been incredible since the game, it’s given everyone a huge boost. Hopefully this can inspire other pupils to go out and achieve their goals, no matter what they may be.”
Clinton, whose practice operates out of the same building as BDN, said:
“I’m immensely proud that BDN has been able to support Eva and her teammates, who are brilliant young girls who have worked so hard to secure this national title.
“It’s great to be able to offer support to ambitious young people who are blazing a trail in their field.”
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