Stirchley pupils in world cup final appearance
These primary school pupils were today given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead teams out at a World Cup final.
Australia and New Zealand were being led out by 17 children from Grange Park Primary in Stirchley at Old Trafford today ahead of the Rugby League World Cup final.
The school was chosen by local rugby league club Telford Raiders after the RFL asked them if they could find 17 children to be mascots for the event. Headteacher Richard Thorpe said:
"This is an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we are incredibly proud that our children have been chosen."
Telford Raiders rugby league team coach Fred Baker visited the school to host sessions with some of the children and give them an insight into the sport.
Mr Thorpe said: "I would like to thank Fred and the team at Telford Raiders for all the help and support they have provided.
"The sport is popular up north but not so much here. However, Telford Raiders are a really progressive club and have a big profile in the community.
Mr Thorpe added: "Being a rugby fan myself, I think I may even be more excited than the children at the prospect of seeing them leading the teams out at the final."
The students could have been leading out England, but a last-gasp try from New Zealand means they were meeting up with arch-rivals Australia in the final. Australia beat Fiji 64-0 in their semi final.
The children were being accompanied by Gail Rance, a PE coordinator, and teacher Josie Vaughan, together with two bus loads of staff, families and friends.
