Chenango Forks hosts English soccer team

CHENANGO FORKS, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – An English grammar school made the journey across the pond to play soccer against several teams across the Southern Tier.

Chenango Forks High School is hosting students from Harvey Grammar School in Folkestone England for a week of American culture and friendly competition.

The cultural exchange has become an annual tradition, and Forks families host the English students while they’re in town.

The Harvey Grammar School is a selective boys grammar school with a history dating back to
1674.

On Thursday morning, Forks’ high school soccer team faced off against Harvey Grammar in a friendly match, and it was tied at one goal apiece at half time.

The district’s superintendent, Thomas Burkhardt says it’s not just about playing against a new team, the exchange is a chance to make new friends and learn something about a different culture.

“When they showed up the initial night, and we were handing them off to their families, you have that constant of soccer, so there’s that instant rapport right? So, they already have that great relationship and then just going out and experiencing life with American families I think has been fantastic,” said Burkhardt.

The English team is facing several other opponents throughout their time here, including Binghamton University tomorrow and Susquehanna Valley on Sunday, both starting at 11 a.m.

Every game is played at the Blue Devils’ stadium at the high school.

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