By James Bovington
The under-12s at Wortley Juniors Football Club are celebrating winning the boys’ Leeds and District Football Association Cup 2025 with a 1-0 victory over Pudsey Juniors Whites.
The game – held at at Whitkirk Cricket Club – was settled by an early goal from talented captain Lucas Pearson, who put a free kick into the box which went through everyone and ended up in the back of the net.
The game was subsequently contested in central midfield with play often scrappy as both teams tried to find the next goal.
Pudsey had a few chances and hit the post. Wortley almost went two goals up with a diving header by Luca Drazkiewicz not quite connecting. Wortley’s Eryk Pasterczyk was awarded player of the match by the officials.
“We were the underdogs as our opponents are in a higher division,” said Roman O’Brien, Wortley’s left winger. “Before the game I said it would be one per cent chance and 99% faith. But we won.”
Teammate Lucas Montgomery said: “The whole team is over the moon. It was a challenging game but winning has made this the best Sunday ever.”
The Wortley team reached the final with a 4-1 victory over Rothwell Juniors Red in the semi-final following a 7-1 defeat of Leeds City Juniors Blue.
After the match the team and their parents and coaches enjoyed a reception at New Farnley Cricket Club hosted by Kealey Kubas and Lucy Bedford who ‘worked wonders to ensure that everyone had a good time’.
Wortley FC Juniors U12s are sponsored by Digi-tal Web Development, Curtainpolestore.co.uk, BRO Electrical and Mint contracting Services.
If you are interested in playing with Wortley Juniors, e-mail info@wortleyfc.org.uk or message Wortley Football Club on Facebook.
Pudsey Juniors are sponsored by BritSystems and Leeds Dental and can be reached on 07957 110392 or at pudseyjuniors@hotmail.co.uk.