A Good Luck Message as Grange Academy Heads off to National Football Finals

Mayor Dave Hodgson joined Luton Town FC footballers Craig Mackail-Smith and Jack Marriott as they visited The Grange Academy school for students with special educational needs this week to meet its team who will battle it out in the finals of a prestigious football competition this weekend.

The Kempston school's team will take part in the finals of the FA People's Cup in Sheffield on Sunday 20th March.

The FA People's Cup is a five-a-side format and the finals will take place at Goals Sheffield following regional qualifying rounds held across the country. The winners will be invited to the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on 21 May.

Mayor Dave and the Luton Town players and officials present wished the Grange Academy's team them the very best of luck for the finals. The Luton Town players also presented a kit for the team to wear on Sunday.

Grange Academy is a special academy for pupils aged eight to 16 with a wide range of ability levels and additional learning needs, including complex special needs. The Academy's football team is affiliated to the Bedfordshire County Football Association and participates in the Ability Counts League.

Mayor Dave commented: "Reaching the finals of this prestigious national competition is a fantastic achievement by these students. I was pleased to have the chance to wish them the very best of luck on behalf of the Borough. I hope that they enjoy what should be a great experience, in the knowledge that everyone will be right behind them."

Luton striker Craig Mackail-Smith said: "The boys have done fantastically well to reach the national finals of the FA People's Cup on Sunday - I hope they can go to Sheffield and really enjoy their day out and who knows - maybe win the cup? It's great that the Club have donated this kit for them to wear - hopefully they will be as proud to wear it as everyone at Luton Town is of them for getting this far."

Fellow striker Jack Marriott commented: "Even in the short time we spent with the lads you could see that they are a skilful group - I really hope they can perform on the day and win the cup."