Category: ESFA Internationals

ESFA Internationals, ESFA National Finals, featured

The English Schools’ FA and STATSports continue partnership for the 23/24 season 

The English Schools' FA

The ESFA is delighted to announce the continuation of their partnership with STATSports for the 2023/24 season as the Association’s “Official GPS Partner”.

STATSports are the global leaders in GPS sports performance analysis, combining cutting-edge proprietary technology, with revolutionary sport science and first-class client support. The first GPS wearable to receive FIFA’s highest award for data accuracy, reliability, and consistency, STATSports’ Apex technology is used by world-renowned football clubs including Manchester United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Juventus, plus international federations such as England, Belgium, Portugal, and Brazil.

Last season, STATSports kitted out the England U15 Schoolgirls and England U18 Schoolboys with GPS trackers and vests, providing both the management team and players with valuable insight and data on the teams’ performances, helping them reach their maximum potential for their competitive matches. In 2023, the Association is hoping to further utilise the capabilities of the technology within National Cup fixtures to help schools understand the wide-ranging benefits of the Statsports brand.

ESFA Chair, Marvin Robinson said: “As we embark on our third season together, the ESFA is delighted to continue our partnership with STATSports. As the official GPS partner of the Association, STATSports equips our two international squads with GPS trackers, offering invaluable insights into player performance. This technology was a game-changer for us last season, contributing to the remarkable success and growth of the England U15 Schoolgirls’ and U18 Schoolboys’ squads. We’re committed to supporting STATSports in promoting their GPS technology among schools and teams involved in ESFA activities. With this cutting-edge technology, we aim to help these teams reach even greater heights in the coming season.”

STATSports’ leading GPS technology can offer your school or Association teams a unique opportunity to develop their game and provide valuable insights into players’ performance. It is also a great educational tool to help students understand the importance of data and stats in the modern game and within all sports and physical activity within an educational environment. To find out how your team can benefit from STATSports technology please contact Mark Haughey – m.haughey@statsports.com for more information.

STATSports currently have an have an offer on their Apex Coach Series for team purchases. These systems provide simplified GPS data for coaches that can be accessed and analysed in an educational setting. The package is perfect for teams at all levels and age groups. Claim your no obligation free demo via the link below:

https://tinyurl.com/3bvhj4dm

ESFA Internationals, featured

Centenary Shield Match Report: England v Wales

The English Schools' FA

The England U18 Schoolboys drew 1-1 with Wales at Hednesford Town on Friday 28th April to share the hummel Centenary Shield with their Welsh counterparts. England Captain Laiith Fairnie continued his scoring run from an England set piece and a fantastic turnout saw over 1300 fans supporting the Schoolboys at Hednesford Town FC.

England’s first big chance of the game came in the 16th minute when Rio Joisce’s freekick was tipped around the post by Webber in the Welsh Goal. The following corner was floated in by Joisce only to find the side netting.

The next big chance of the game fell to England with Ollie Fraser driving inside off the left, his shot was charged down by a Welsh defender with the ball falling to Oscar Fletcher. His close-range effort was well stopped by Webber in the Welsh goal who rushed out to smother the ball.

A midfield battle dominated the first half action with both teams attempting to gain control of the game England were racking up the corners with strong runs from Rio Joisce and Ollie Fraser, beating their full backs on multiple occasions. This pressure paid off in the 33rd minute when Rio Joisce whipped a corner deep onto the head of the onrushing Laiith Fairnie who put the England Schoolboys into the lead.

The England defence stood strong for the remainder of the first half, with Jasper Sheik claiming a floated cross into the box and the centre back’s dealing with aerial balls into the box well. A good first half from England saw them go into the break 1-0 up and on their way to lifting the hummel Centenary Shield.

England striker Sam Johnson had to first chance of the second half, his shot from the angle was deflected and flew agonisingly wide of the far post. Shortly after, Johnson was presented with a golden opportunity to double the lead when a header from Fletcher put the striker through on goal. His resulting effort was comfortably saved by the Welsh keeper who launched a counterattack, kicking the ball long. Murtas brought the ball down, skipped away from Smith and unleashed a devastating finish into the top corner giving Sheik no chance.

With the score level and both teams equal on points in the hummel Centenary Shield, both sides pushed for a winner. The next big chance fell to Johnson again, a quick one- two with Towns on the edge of the box bought Johnson some space and his low effort was brillianty tipped onto the post by Webber in the Welsh goal.

With two minutes to go, Oscar Fletcher delivered another brilliant free kick into the penalty area, once again finding the head of the captain Fairnie who this time headed just over the bar. The final chance of the game was created by second half substitute Aaron Cocks who found his fellow substitute Jay Sangha at the back post whose header into the ground couldn’t quite find the net.

The momentous fixture at Hednesford Town FC finished 1-1 meaning both teams finished on ten points in the hummel Centenary Shield, and the trophy was shared. Congratulations to both the Wales U18 Schoolboys and the England U18 Schoolboys on their brilliant campaigns.

Photo Credit: 353Photography