Lancashire Schools’ FA and Somerset Schools’ FA crowned National Champions in the 2019/20 U16 Inter County Cup for Girls competition.
The English Schools’ FA has declared Lancashire Schools’ FA and Somerset Schools’ FA joint champions of the U16 Inter County Cup for Girls for Season 2019-2020.
The decision has been taken after Covid-19 prematurely ended the season and it was established that it would not be feasible for these teams to participate in this year’s National Final match.
Darren Alcock, ESFA National Competitions Manager said “Players of Lancashire and Somerset Schools’ FA have worked incredibly hard to reach this English Schools’ FA Cup Final. We are very pleased to have reached a resolution for this final which recognises the effort, skill and determination of those involved with both teams. To be crowned a National Champion is an extremely prestigious honour, so we hope that the players, staff and communities will enjoy this accolade and we wish the players well in their future football endeavours.”
Richard Pryor, Somerset Schools’ FA Chairman said “We are extremely proud of our U16 girls’ team whose efforts and performances last season enabled them to reach the National finals. Team work and an excellent attitude provided the basis for the well-deserved success. The highlight of the season was the quarter final trip to Essex where the qualities previously mentioned enabled us to successfully proceed to the semi-final. Despite conceding very early and with ‘backs to the wall’ for most of the game, our girls ‘dug deep’ and we scored late to take the game to extra time.
We started to play much better in both periods of extra time and were leading until the last minute when Essex were awarded and scored a free kick. However, the positive character of the girls came through and we won 6-5 on penalties. A shame there had to be a losing team in such a good game.
We are therefore delighted to be crowned joint national champions and share the honour with Lancashire Schools FA. The first girls team in Somerset schools’ history and only our second team ever to achieve this status”
Phil Eastwood, Lancashire U16 Girls’ Team Manager said, “Lancashire Schools U16’s are so proud to be joint winners and reigning champions of the English Schools FA Cup. Although we are immensely disappointed that restrictions have prevented us from having the chance to play in the final again, we couldn’t be prouder of the effort our squad have given during this season. We wish those departing the squad the best of luck in their future football careers and we look forward to competing again, whenever that may be!“
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.