Longlevens Primary is gearing up to represent Cheltenham Town at Wembley Stadium once again this Monday, marking an extraordinary second consecutive appearance. Coach Matt Jeynes described this achievement as a “dream come true.”
Last year, Longlevens triumphed 3-1 at the iconic English football venue against St. Giles & St George’s Academy, who represented Port Vale. This year, they face Higher Bebington Junior School from the Wirral, representing Tranmere Rovers in the prestigious Utilita Kids Cup final.
Kick-off is scheduled for 1:45 pm on Monday, May 26, just ahead of the League Two play-off final between AFC Wimbledon and Walsall.
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The competition attracts schools nationwide, each vying to showcase their talent by representing their affiliated EFL clubs on one of football’s biggest stages. For Jeynes and the team, returning to Wembley is an incredible accomplishment.
“It’s huge for the school,” Jeynes said. “We’re taking around 80 to 90 fans to support us. Competing at Wembley two years running, especially given how many schools participate nationwide, is truly extraordinary.”
Reflecting on last year’s experience, Jeynes added, “Last time was a bit of a daze after trying so long to reach this stage. This year, I’m looking forward to savoring the moment more. Leading the team onto the pitch, soaking in the crowd—it’s an absolute thrill. While we’re focused on winning, we’ll also embrace the Wembley experience fully.”
Notably, previous finalists have included future stars like Will Hughes, Adam Wharton, Jamal Musiala, and Scott McTominay, highlighting the competition’s role in nurturing young talent. Playing at Wembley, especially after witnessing Premier League stars from Manchester City and Crystal Palace the week before, is a unique opportunity for these youngsters.
Jeynes praised his squad’s talent and depth. “Some players, like Alex the goalkeeper, started playing in Year 5 — a rare feat. He’s currently part of the Cheltenham academy and among the best young goalkeepers we’ve had. Others, like Noel Holmes who had two assists in last year’s final, have already attracted attention from professional academies.”
Three Year 5 players—Remi, Seb, and Hugo—will be looking to emulate last year’s success, inspired by their older teammates. Additional Year 6 players such as Lucas, Max, and Dante have shown significant development and commitment throughout the season.
Qualifying for this year’s final was no easy task. Longlevens secured progression with a last-minute group stage goal in Swindon and clinched victory on penalties against a team that had beaten them by four goals earlier the same day. They ended the season tied at the top with Upton St Leonards in the league and narrowly lost to them in the cup final on a golden goal.
Preparation included a residential trip and plenty of cage football, fostering team spirit off the pitch.
Jeynes emphasized the importance of a strong start in the 14-minute match. “Scoring the first goal quickly can shift momentum and put pressure on the opposition to step out of their comfort zone, giving us an advantage. We’ll encourage the boys to play confidently and stick to their game plan.”
Though the significance of playing at Wembley might not fully sink in for the boys yet, Jeynes is confident they’ll cherish the experience. “Every young player dreams of playing at Wembley—whether for club or country. This is a fantastic group, and I know they’ll be buzzing with excitement.”