England legend Terry Butcher hailed during Lowestoft return

Terry Butcher was back in Lowestoft as a football tournament was held on the school grounds near to where he used to hone his skills.

C'mon England! Former England legend Terry Butcher on his return to his former Lowestoft-area primary school. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The fourth annual Terry Butcher Cup was contested this week at Red Oak Primary School in Lowestoft - the former Fen Park primary school that Mr Butcher had attended in the 1960s.

With his legacy celebrated each year as the annual Terry Butcher Cup is contested in the north Suffolk ALT Schools football tournament, Mr Butcher was back in Lowestoft on Monday.

Terry Butcher was back in Lowestoft at Red Oak Primary School - the former Fen Park primary that Mr Butcher had attended in the 1960s. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Speaking the day before England were in action at the Cologne Stadium in the final UEFA Euro 2024 group game against Slovenia, Mr Butcher said he was looking forward to the match and was hopeful they "will progress" further after England's place in the last 16 had already been sealed with the results on Monday night.

Having been made an honorary life ambassador of the school on Southwell Road three years ago, the Ipswich Town and England legend spoke to Red Oak pupils during a special assembly in the Terry Butcher Sports Hall that was named after him.

Johnny Lee, ALT associate leader of PE and Sports and Red Oak Primary School PE co-ordinator, said the Red Oak students "had a very motivational assembly" with guest of honour, Mr Butcher.

The programme for the Terry Butcher Cup. Picture: Red Oak Primary School (Image: Red Oak Primary School)

The dominant former centre half then encouraged youngsters from four schools in Lowestoft as The Terry Butcher Cup was competed for in the afternoon.

Grove Primary versus Red Oak Primary in the boys contest. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

'A great tournament'

Boys and girls football teams from the four schools - Red Oak, Westwood, Grove and Pakefield primary schools-  battled it out on two pitches during some keenly contested action.

Pakefield Primary versus Red Oak Primary in the girls contest. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Mr Butcher then presented medals, the two Terry Butcher Cups, as well as player of the tournament award winners in both the boys and girls sections.

Grove Primary versus Westwood Primary in the boys contest. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

With the boys Terry Butcher Cup won by Red Oak Primary School, the girls Terry Butcher Cup was won by Grove Primary School.

Grove Primary versus Red Oak Primary in the girls contest. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Afterwards, Mr Butcher said: "Well done to all the players," with "great behaviour, very sporting attitudes and good teamwork" on display throughout a "fantastic afternoon."

He added: "The children applied themselves so well and had been well coached.

Terry Butcher with the Terry Butcher Cup winners of the girls section, Grove Primary School in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"It was a great tournament and there was some excellent goalkeeping on show."

Congratulating all of the ALT primary schools that took part in the Terry Butcher Cup football tournament at the primary school, Mr Lee said: "Our Red Oak PE staff were very happy to work with our former student and England football legend Terry Butcher at the tournament.

Terry Butcher with the Terry Butcher Cup winners of the boys section, and PE staff, Red Oak Primary School in Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Terry attended our school when it was called Fen Park Primary, he went on to become captain of the England football team and he still visits Red Oak every year."