The ESFA is delighted to announce that the final SAFIB Centenary Shield fixture v Scotland Schoolboys will be hosted at Chesterfield FC on Friday 12th April 2024. The England U18 Schoolboys’ squad will be traveling to the SMH Group Stadium, for their second home fixture and final fixture of the competition this April.
The highly anticipated fixture against Scotland will kick off at 7pm and will be live-streamed on the night. Match tickets are priced at just £8 for adults and £5 for concessions and are available via Chesterfield FC’s website here. Further details will follow in the coming weeks.
The fixture will be the final opportunity for the England Schoolboys to showcase their skills on home-turf in the Centenary Shield competition and will be the first time Chesterfield FC has hosted an ESFA England Schoolboys’ event at the SMH Group Stadium. The event will create some schools’ football buzz in and around the town and the ESFA is hopeful local schools will get involved to support the event in their area.
The SAFIB Centenary shield, which was first contested in 1973, is a competitive international competition between under 18 schoolboy squads from across the home nations. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland all play each other in a round robin format and the team with the most points at the end of the tournament will lift the historic trophy. England shared the trophy with Wales last season, with this year’s squad looking to retain the title – the Chesterfield fixture could be the decider for this year’s competition.
The England team will wear their new home shirts for the first time as they walk out onto the SMH Group stadium pitch this April. This year’s Nike kit has been provided by official ESFA kit suppliers, Pro:Direct and features new ESFA front of shirt sponsors, Arnold Clark. With the car company’s brand fast becoming synonymous with football at all levels, the England boys will be proud to be associated with such fantastic sponsors of the ESFA’s international programme.
ESFA Chair, Marvin Robinson said, “I am thrilled to announce the hosting of the prestigious SAFIB Centenary Shield’s final fixture at Chesterfield FC’s SMH Group Stadium, a landmark event for the English Schools’ FA.”¯
This fixture is not just a game; it’s a celebration of the rich heritage and bright future of schools’ football in England. The opportunity for our England U18 Schoolboys to compete on this grand stage is a testament to hard work and dedication.”¯ We, at the English Schools’ FA are especially excited to see the integration of local schools in the celebrations, fostering a community spirit and igniting a passion for football among young people in the area.”¯ This event, showcasing our new partnership with Arnold Clark and featuring our latest Pro:Direct kit, symbolises our commitment to providing the best for our players.”¯ I anticipate a memorable evening of great football, fair competition, and community engagement, as we support our young Three Lions in their quest for success.”
John Croot, chief executive of Chesterfield FC, said: “Having already staged a number of international fixtures, we are proud to be hosting another game featuring youngsters who have hopes of carving out a career in the game. I am sure that football fans in the region will welcome the opportunity to watch the youngsters in action at our stadium.”
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The ESFA is hoping to see a bumper crowd for home international matches in 2024, with a view to creating a fantastic and memorable atmosphere and experience for the young three lions.
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.