World Cup 2022: Connah’s Quay High School ready to cheer on former pupil as Wales take on Iran

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

This article is old - Published: Friday, Nov 25th, 2022

Lessons will be cancelled at Connah’s Quay High School this morning as pupils come together to watch former student Wayne Hennessy and his Wales teammates take on Iran in the World Cup.

Wales’ second game of the 2022 World Cup kicks off at 10am today when children are in class.

The Welsh government has said it will be up to schools whether to allow pupils to watch the game this morning.

Gareth Bale has said he wants as many of them as possible to do so, he said: “Being a 10am kick-off in Wales, if I was one of the teachers, I’d let them watch the game.”

“I hope they do. It’s a historical moment in Wales, for us to be at a World Cup.”

“Some of the parents of kids I know all want to watch the game but don’t want to take them off school.”

Bale said: “So I think a lot of schools will put the game on for them to cheer us on and get behind us.”

“It’s a mini history lesson, and hopefully it’ll be a great occasion for all of them.”

FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We’ve worked with Welsh government to create a festival in all our schools and the Iran game is perfect for us.”

“You want a child to remember it and, hopefully, go on to play for us and become the future.”

Wayne Hennessy was initially raised in Beaumaris on Anglesey and was educated at Ysgol David Hughes, in Menai Bridge, but he moved to Connah’s Quay High School to make it easier to travel to Manchester City’s Academy. Wayne made his debut for Cymru back in May 2007 against New Zealand at the Racecourse and has since claimed the clean-sheet record for his country previously held by his hero Neville Southall.

Amanda Creevy Assistant Headteacher Connah’s Quay High School said:“learners at CQHS will come together to watch Wales play in the world cup.”

“We are taking a particular interest as Wayne Hennessy, a former student, is in the Welsh squad.”

“Learners will be watching the match with their year groups, cheering the team on.”

“Learners will attend school in their uniforms, but are permitted to wear a football jumper or something in the Welsh colours.”

“They are asked to bring in a small donation (loose change) which will be given to charity if they can.”

“We are all very much looking forward to supporting the team.”

Hawarden High School

Another former Flintshire school pupil at the world cup in Wales’ other goalkeeper Danny Ward.

Danny went to Hawarden High School, Assistant Headteacher Mrs Birch said Danny “worked incredibly hard to get to where he is now, and we are extremely proud, as a school, to have a former Hawarden High pupil performing at such a high level, with the whole world watching.”

“Danny is not our only former pupil who’s gone on to achieve great success in the professional footballing world; but stands alongside the likes of Michael Owen, Gary Speed, and many others.”

“Gary Speed worked tirelessly for his team and country earning 85 caps during his career, then as manager for Wales he brought in reform, new energy and buy in from players.”

“Many cite this as the foundation from which Wales are now able to compete on the world stage. It’s great to see Danny Ward continuing the tradition of excellence and we cannot wait to cheer him on in school during tomorrow’s match.”

“We are very excited here at Hawarden High School for the Welsh team competing in the World Cup for the first time since 1958, and we want to wish the best of luck to all the Wales players tomorrow! Cymru am byth!”