School Competition Winner: Meet Zach Willing

Congratulations to 10-year-old Zach Willing, our School Competition winner!

Zach entered a competition at Barnsole Primary School to win a Gills matchday Mascot package!

Zach’s love of football may not have started in the most conventional way. When he was younger, his dad would take him to play football, but at the time Zach wasn’t a fan and eventually quit. However, one day something changed and Zach decided that he wanted to join a team, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Today, Zach plays for Anchorians Pumas, a team he proudly describes as “the best team”, where he plays in midfield. His enthusiasm for the game is clear when he talks about his own style of play. He describes himself as a quick player who is good at creating chances, with dribbling and passing among his strengths. He particularly enjoys setting up his teammates to score goals.

When it comes to his footballing heroes, Zach has some impressive choices. His favourite player in the world is Harry Kane, while his favourite Gills player is Bradley Dack. Zach says Dack is his favourite because he “scores goals and gets stuck in”  which are qualities that clearly appeal to a young midfielder who enjoys being involved in the action.

Despite still being only 10 years old, Zach already has a favourite footballing memory. His highlight so far has been winning a five-a-side tournament, a moment that clearly stands out as something special in his young footballing journey.

And if Zach could one day play professional football for any club, there is already one team he has his sights set on: West Ham.

Football isn't Zach's only passion, though. Recently, he has started enjoying going out on his bike with his friends, and he also likes playing basketball, which give him plenty of opportunities to stay active away from the football pitch.

Of course, Zach’s success in the competition came from his fantastic kit design, and there was plenty of thought behind it. His design represents Barnsole Primary School, incorporating several important elements that make the school unique.

Zach included the school's name, school logo, the year it opened and the school's values, as well as all four of the school's team colours. He also made sure to use the school's current colours throughout the design.

Zach's Winning Design

It's clear that Zach put plenty of thought, creativity and school pride into his winning design, plus his passion for football shines through in everything he does.

Congratulations once again to Zach Willing, and we look forward to seeing where his footballing journey takes him!