Ark William Parker student Tom Climpson is celebrating after he captained the U16s Sussex Schools FA to win the National Cup. The team were victorious on the morning of Saturday 7th May when they defeated North Yorkshire 2-1 at City Ground, Nottingham Forest FC.

Sussex Captain Tom developed his skills through the Year 11 football team at Ark William Parker and has also played for the Hastings United Football Academy, which runs alongside Ark 6th Form East Sussex. During the match, he called the team into a huddle and it seems the words he gave to his team mates inspired Sussex to create chances again.

At the final whistle the celebrations erupted and continued pitch side for a long time afterwards. The parents of all the players have been fantastic in their support of the players this season travelling long distances to help push the team on and it was great to celebrate this success with them.

A wonderful achievement for Hastings based teacher Aran Hawkins (Longhill) and his team. Alfie Rogers and Derek Abagozza scored the goals, with Dan Hewett as MOM.  

Jimmy Elford, Head of PE at Ark William Parker wanted to pass his congratulations to Tom, ‘who is a fantastic all round student and who has a bright future in the game. Tom is very deserving of this honour, the school are very proud of his achievement, it couldn’t have gone to a more worthy student’.