ESFA National Finals

U18 Inter County Cup – Joint National Champions Crowned

Gloucestershire County Schools’ FA and Staffordshire County Schools’ FA crowned National Champions in the 2019/20 U18 County Cup competition.

The English Schools’ FA has declared Gloucestershire County Schools’ FA and Staffordshire County Schools’ FA joint champions of the U18 Inter County Cup 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 both Gloucestershire and Staffordshire 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.”  

Mark Culverhouse, Staffordshire U18 Team Manager said “As team manager, it has been an absolute pleasure to have worked with such a great squad of young men.   They have been excellent role models for schoolboy football.   This has been a tremendous season having reached the National Final as well as being crowned Midlands Champions.   It was clear from the start we had a special group as they developed a great team spirit right from the start.   We are disappointed we were unable to compete for the title of National Champions but understand the decision to award the accolade of joint champions to us and  Gloucestershire.   The recent loss of John Appleby has been a huge loss to all involved with Staffordshire Schools’ FA and the wider footballing community and this achievement is a fitting tribute to his hard work and dedication.   We hope our U16’s can add the National Title to the growing list of Staffordshire’s titles in their upcoming final”

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