Winner: York and District Schoolboys under-13s

This year saw a new addition to the regular Community Pride Awards lineup, as a number of nominations were received for a York-based football team who made history by bringing some very special silverware to the city.

York and District Schoolboys under-13s won the English Schools’ FA Inter-Association Trophy after beating a team from Southampton at a match held at the Milton Keynes Dons’ 22,000-seater stadium in May.

As well as being the first team from York to win the competition, they even did it in style, beating Southampton 2-0 in the final.

Our judges, as well as those who nominated the team, thought they deserved an award, and so the Significant Achievement Award was founded for their historic win.

Coach Tony Wales accepted the award on the team’s behalf, and said: “Every year we trial children from York and District catchment area, and we had a great team last season. It’s basically the FA Cup Final for under-13s, so it’s a massive achievement.

“The schools are fantastic, and so were the boys and their parents. It’s a passion of mine, and a testament to their passion and commitment too. They are really going places.”

Receiving the award from City of York Council Leader James Alexander, Tony also thanked the York Centre of Excellence and everyone who has helped support the team.