On Bank Holiday Monday, our Boys’ Football Team played at Wembley Stadium, representing Brentford FC in the Grand Final of the EFL National Kids’ Cup, against a school representing Blackburn Rovers.  Chances came and went in what was an incredibly tight affair.  Our boys played with their trademark tenacity and skill but, in heart-breaking fashion, with a mere 3 seconds remaining until penalties, we were beaten when Blackburn managed to score with the last kick of the game.  At the time our team were devastated but acted in the most sporting way, congratulating their opponents on their victory.  Soon after the final whistle, deep inside those famous Wembley changing rooms, the players started to realise what an unbelievable season they have had and how incredibly proud they should be in reaching the final of such a massive and prestigious tournament!  I, for one, couldn’t be more proud of this fine group of players.  They have given everything this season and have represented Collis so well on both a local and national scale, not only with their footballing prowess but with their fantastic team spirit, never-say-die attitude and impeccable sense of fair play and sportsmanship.  Thank you boys for a season I will certainly never forget.            

James Loizos, PE Coordinator

The following is an email received by the school from Rob Gurney, BBC WM Sports Reporter...

Hello,

Forgive the random email, but I was reporting for BBC Radio West Midlands at Wembley Stadium on Monday, for the Championship Play-Off Final between Aston Villa and Derby.

I was setting up in time to see your School, representing Brentford FC, playing in the above match.

Can I just say how wonderful I thought Jack was in goal. The saves he made were simply outstanding, and I really felt for him when he was beaten in the last minute.

To see him in floods of tears at the end made me, as a father of two myself, want to give him a big hug and tell him it’ll be alright. His reaction certainly brought a tear to my eye, and a lump to my throat as well.

The players conducted themselves impeccably in defeat, and were a credit to the School, as they came past me and up to the Royal Box to receive their mementos.

If those sentiments could be passed onto those involved – players and teachers – I’d be extremely grateful.

Very best regards,

Rob

Rob Gurney  -  BBC WM Sport

Below is an email we have received from a supporter who was at Wembley to watch the Aston Villa match

Good morning

I hope I am not too late in writing this email and that you are able to get this message to Jack Firebrace.

My husband and I recently attended Wembley stadium to watch Aston Villa in the Championship Play Off final.  As part of the pre-match entertainment we watched the 2019 EFL Kids Championship Cup Final where Jack was representing Brentford Football Club.

We wanted to write to Jack to say how fantastic he played – he entertained us throughout with his drive and sports prowess.   We were literally jumping out of our seats with each of his fantastic saves throughout the game.  I know that Jack will have been really disappointed that his team lost in the last few seconds, but we wanted to write to say that he played brilliantly and we were very impressed.  I hope Jack continues with football and maybe one day we’ll see him playing at Villa Park.

Please could you pass this email onto Jack and his family – he really was excellent!

Many thanks

Jane & Gary