Gillingham Football Club

The Academy of Woodlands have been crowned Gills Half-time Shoot Out Champions 2016-17, after a fantastic final at MEMS Priestfield Stadium against Davington Primary School.

On Saturday, April 22, we were pleased to welcome The Academy of Woodlands from Gillingham and Davington Primary School from Faversham to the Home of Football in Kent to take part in the Final of our popular Half-time Shoot Out competition, having both seen off tough competition in the previous rounds. 

Coming out in front of the 8,700-strong crowd, both teams were nervous but excited to take part in the final.  Each player had seven seconds to score a score a vital goal from the edge of the penalty area, either by dribbling the ball forward and taking on the goalkeeper, or by simply firing a shot and going for glory.  

In front of the crowd the teams didn’t disappoint, and a thrilling shoot out got underway. The Academy of Woodlands kicked off the scoring with a fantastic goal, but Davington Primary School came straight back with their own goal to keep the score line level.

With the second round underway, it was the turn of the goalkeepers to shine, and fantastic saves from both sides kept the score at 1-1.

With their third attempt The Academy of Woodlands were able to go ahead, and after both teams then found the net once more it was 3-2 after four rounds.

The tension mounted into the fifth round as The Academy of Woodlands were unable to find the back of the net, while Davington Primary School’s player coolly slotted the ball home to draw the score level again to 3-3, and take the game to a shoot-out between both teams’ goalkeepers!

With all to play for, The Academy of Woodlands keeper stepped up, and a fantastic chipped effort flew into the top of the net.  He was then straight back between the posts as Davington’s keeper came to try and keep the school in the competition.  

Davington’s player had a fantastic effort, but it wasn’t quite enough to get past The Academy of Woodland’s keeper, and as the final whistle blew the score stayed 4-3, handing The Academy of Woodlands the victory!

Gills first-team player Emmanuel Osadebe was on hand to present both teams with their trophy and medals. 

Well done to both teams, and thank you to all of the schools who have taken part in the Gills 2016-17 Half-time Shoot Out competition this season.  

Congratulations to this season’s winners The Academy of Woodlands!

The Gills Half-time Shoot Out is run by the Gillingham Football Club Community Trust team. You can find out more on Twitter via @GillsCommunity, or contact us on GFCCT@priestfield.com.