Hailsham Schools Partnership Primary Football League – 2025/26 Champions Crowned

During the last week of term the final instalment of fixtures in the Hailsham Primary Cluster Football League were played, and what a finale it proved to be. With the top three teams: Hawkes Farm, Hailsham Academy, and Hellingly, separated by just two points heading into Week 4, everything was still to play for. The stakes were raised even higher by the fixture list: Hawkes Farm would face both of their title rivals on the same night, knowing that slip‑ups anywhere could cost them the league.

The evening kicked off in chaotic conditions. With strong gusts of wind sweeping across the pitches, a late change was made to the rules, replacing throw‑ins with kick‑ins. But the weather drama didn’t stop there. Mere minutes into the first match, players, staff, and supporters faced sudden hailstorms, leaving the astro turf coated in a white sheet of ice. Despite the brutal opening, play continued. Every pupil showed extraordinary resilience, pushing through the elements for their team and school. Thankfully, the weather calmed, and the remainder of the evening unfolded under clearer skies, setting the scene for an unforgettable night of football.

Hawkes Farm started the night knowing they controlled their own destiny. They opened with two crucial 1–0 wins, including a vital victory over fellow contenders Hellingly. Though not at their free‑flowing best, they were efficient, organised, and determined. Their third match proved nervier, resulting in a 0–0 draw against Thornton Grove, a result that meant their final game, against Hailsham Academy, would decide the destination of the title. A defeat would hand the championship to Hellingly on goal difference; a draw or win would see Hawkes Farm crowned champions.

The tension was enormous.

Hailsham Academy needed both results and momentum to swing their way, but a slow start saw them draw 0-0 with Herstmonceux, who themselves had a goal disallowed. A 1–0 win followed, but the prolific scoring seen throughout the opening weeks just wouldn’t ignite tonight. The pressure of the occasion seemed to weigh heavily on many teams, and with other teams picking up points, Hailsham Academy faced a huge task heading into their final fixture, one that would have major ramifications for the title.

After losing to Hawkes Farm in one of the opening fixtures of the evening, Hellingly responded brilliantly. Determined to keep the title race alive, they posted a series of dominant wins:

• 1–0 vs Grovelands
• 3–0 vs Herstmonceux
• 5–0 vs White House

These results dramatically boosted their goal difference and ensured that, if Hailsham Academy could beat Hawkes Farm, Hellingly would be champions. Everything would hinge on the very last match of the league.

The decisive fixture between Hawkes Farm and Hailsham Academy was tense from start to finish. Hailsham Academy were on the front foot throughout, pushing forward and looking the more likely to find a breakthrough. Hawkes Farm, aware that even a draw would seal the title, set up in what could only be described as a modern‑day ‘Low-block.’ They defended deep, stayed compact, and looked to break quickly whenever possible. What followed was a gritty, disciplined, backs‑to‑the‑wall performance. Every interception, every tackle, every clearance was greeted by huge cheers from the large group of parents lining the pitch, each moment carrying Hawkes Farm one step closer to their dream.

And then came the whistle…0–0. Full time. A roar erupted from the Hawkes Farm players, coaches, and supporters. They had done it. They had survived the pressure and secured the final point they needed to be crowned champions.

In a thrilling conclusion to the league, Hawkes Farm were deservedly crowned champions. Not only did they hold their nerve in the decisive moments, but they completed an extraordinary league campaign:

14 games unbeaten
14 clean sheets
0 goals conceded across the entire league

A remarkable achievement at any level of football.

Please join us in congratulating the 2025/26 Hailsham Primary Cluster Football League winners…

🎉 Hawkes Farm! 🎉

In other news, a huge congratulations must go to Thornton Grove, who celebrated their first win of the league campaign during the final, with an impressive 3–0 victory over Hankham. Their performances across the four weeks have shown real determination and progress, and although the victories had previously eluded them, their resilience was evident in the eight draws they accumulated, more than any other team in the league. That persistence finally paid off this evening. Mr Ellis and his team will be absolutely delighted to put three points on the board, and the players should be extremely proud of the way they’ve carried themselves throughout the competition.

Finally, can we once again saying a huge thank you to staff, referees, families, and volunteers who supported the league and helped create such a positive and memorable experience for our young people. A huge thank you must also go to Hailsham Academy’s Mr Delmon, who has organised and run all these events with the local primary schools and without his support, these tournaments and community events would not be happening.

We look forward to more competitive and exciting sporting events across the Hailsham Primary Cluster after the Easter Break.

Week 4 Results:

Final League Standings: