Throughout the session, pupils had the opportunity to take part in a range of engaging basketball drills, fun games and skill-based activities. From practising their dribbling and shooting to working together as a team, everyone had the opportunity to develop their skills in a supportive and energetic environment.

Most importantly, there were smiles all around — and plenty of enthusiasm on display! It was wonderful to see such teamwork, determination and enjoyment from all involved.

 A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the festival such a memorable and positive experience for our pupils.

On Tuesday 10th February, it was the turn of Rabbits Class, who travelled to The Dolphin Leisure Centre in Haywards Heath to take part in the annual Boccia and NAK Festival.

The event was fantastic, with nine stations for our students to access. Six were variations of these traditional sports, while the remaining three focused on fun, fundamental skill activities, including bean bag target throwing. Everyone   thoroughly enjoyed the event, and we were incredibly impressed by how well the students adapted to the different challenges, followed instructions safely, and participated with growing confidence.

The fun didn’t stop early either—everyone stayed for the full duration of the event, which says it all!  A massive congratulations to Rabbits Class. We are so proud of you—well done, Rabbits!

This was a massive achievement for the students, as they were required to adapt to a different setting, with different people, while taking part in a new activity. Well done, guys, we are very proud of you!  We would also like to say a special thank you to the staff, and especially the Sports’ Leaders at Imberhorne, who were absolutely brilliant with our children.

The children were an absolute credit to the school, showing fantastic adaptability as they took part in less familiar activities, competed alongside new peers, and navigated an unfamiliar setting with confidence. Each student approached the morning in their own unique way, bringing enthusiasm, positivity, and plenty of fun to the session. We are incredibly proud of you all!

This was a fantastic achievement by everyone involved, especially considering that only two members of the team had previously represented Woodlands Meed in table cricket. We are extremely proud of you all — well done!

We are absolutely delighted to share that we have received our two brand-new bikes, generously funded by Tesco through their Stronger Starts programme.  Before Christmas, we were selected as one of three organisations that Tesco customers could vote for, with the winning group receiving a cash prize.  Thanks to the incredible support shown—and one very kind customer who chose Woodlands Meed after   being awarded the golden token— we were thrilled to win £5,000!

Both bikes are three-wheeled trikes with a range of adaptable features, including adjustable footplates, seat positioning and frame length, meaning they are suitable for a wide range of pupil (and staff!).  One of the trikes is a handcycle, making this equipment even more inclusive and accessible.  As a result, our students now have an even greater variety of cycles to enjoy.

A huge thank you to Anna (FOWM) for submitting the project, to Tesco for selecting us as one of the organisations to vote for, and to the very kind gentleman who placed the golden token in our pot!

Now we just need the rain to stop so we can make the most of these fantastic new additions!

Eight schools took part and were divided into two groups. Woodlands Meed were drawn in Group B alongside Hill Park, Saxon Mount, Serenity School and Springboard.

We got off to a dream start in our opening fixture against Hill Park, recording an emphatic 3–0 victory, with Tianna firing in a superb hat-trick. Confidence was high, and the momentum continued in our second match against Saxon Mount, where Tianna once again found the net three times to secure another convincing 3–0 win. Six goals in two games – an incredible achievement by the whole team who were demonstrating some fantastic attacking play, as well as plenty of committed defending!

Our third group match saw us face Serenity School, who had themselves started strongly, including an eye-catching 7–0 win earlier in the competition. However, Woodlands Meed showed no fear and delivered another outstanding performance, running out 4–1 winners. Tianna completed her third consecutive hat-trick, taking her tally to an astonishing 10 goals in just three games – surely the stuff of tournament records!

The final group game against Springboard was no different. Our attacking play proved too strong once again, with yet another Tianna hat-trick, supported by a brilliant goal from Deacon, sealing a 4–2 win. This meant a perfect group stage record: played 4, won 4, 12 points, top of the group, with an   impressive goal difference of +11, four more than the team in second!

In the semi-final, we faced Cornfield, who had finished second in Group A. It was an extremely tight and competitive match that finished 1–1 despite strong efforts from both sides. The outcome was decided by penalties and, although every player stepped up bravely, we narrowly missed out on a place in the trophy final.

However, our tournament journey was far from over. We progressed to the Plate Final, where we once again faced Serenity School. Taking nothing for granted, the team delivered a determined and resilient performance to secure a thrilling 2–1 victory. This marks the first time in Woodlands Meed’s history that we have won the Plate – a truly special achievement and a moment to be incredibly proud of!

Player of the Day quite rightly went to Tianna for her phenomenal and unmatched goalscoring performance. Her consistency, teamwork and passion were outstanding, and it would be fascinating to know if anyone has ever scored more goals in an Albion Cup tournament!

That said, football is a team game, and every single player played a vital role in this success. From Kielen in goal, leading from the back with fantastic communication and crucial saves, to the tireless effort, encouragement and teamwork shown across the squad, this was a true collective achievement.  We are unbelievably proud of Lou and her team – massive congratulations to everyone involved!

Special Mentions

Tianna – Unbelievable. A hat-trick in every match, incredible teamwork and passion. Truly phenomenal!

Tom – Played with respect and showed tremendous teamwork and dignity in the face of adversity.

Luke – Fully committed and gave absolutely everything!

Jax – Played well, acted on coaching advice and demonstrated solid passing throughout