ESFA National Finals, Sponsors and Partners

The Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup National Finals 2023

Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup 2022/2023 inaugural tournament culminated on the 7th June at Leicester City FC’s King Power Stadium, which saw teams from across the country compete to win in the U11 Schools’ Cup, U11 Girls’ Cup and U11 Small Schools’ Cup competitions.

The tournament gave over 50,000 players across the country the opportunity to develop their football skills, have fun with their friends and compete for a place in the national finals. We are delighted to announce the following schools as winners and runners up in each of the 3 Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup competitions –

U11 Schools’ Cup Winner: Harpur Hill Primary School (Derbyshire)

U11 Schools’ Cup Runners Up: Victoria College Prep (Jersey)

U11 Girls’ Cup Winner: St Walburga’s Primary School (Dorset)

U11 Girls’ Cup Runners Up: Tollerton Primary School (Nottinghamshire)

U11 Small Schools’ Cup Winner: Alma Primary School (Middlesex)

U11 Small Schools’ Cup Runners Up: Lindow Community School (Cheshire)

The Pokémon Company International is the official multi-year partner for the Schools’ Cup in collaboration with the English Schools’ FA (ESFA).

This has been a memorable first tournament with the ESFA. It was great to see how the players worked together with their teammates, which is a core value at Pokémon, putting all of their energy into trying their best to progress through the competition and be crowned the national winners. Everyone who took part should be incredibly proud of themselves,” said Peter Murphy, Senior Director of Marketing at the Pokémon Company International. “Thank you to all the children, parents, schools, teachers, and coaches who made this competition such a success. We look forward to continuing to work alongside the ESFA and giving more children the opportunity to take part in the fun-packed competition for the 23/24 season.”

ESFA Chair, Stuart Botham said “I am delighted that the first season of the Pokémon Primary Schools’ Cup has been such a success and that the ESFA is able to offer such a fantastic range of U11 competitions, thanks to the support of The Pokémon Company International. This partnership is providing the ESFA with the opportunity to grow, improve and enhance each of these three National Cup competitions, meaning that the tens of thousands of children that participate each year will have the best, possible experience at every stage of the tournament. This year’s National Finals at Leicester City FC were a fantastic showcase for the talent, skill and dedication of primary schools from across the country and, on behalf of the ESFA, I would like to thank each and every team for their participation and sportsmanship this season”.

The Pokémon Company International is on a mission to delight fans through excellent products and meaningful experiences, with the hope to help make the world a better place for everyone by creating opportunities to bond and grow through shared journeys and friendly competition.

The partnership includes the U11 Schools’ Cup, U11 Girls’ Cup and U11 Small Schools’ Cup categories which provide a pathway for teams to progress through three rounds of competition. Beginning in local, District rounds, successful teams then go on to compete in County rounds, then one of four Regional Finals, which take place in the North, Midlands, South East and South West of England. The top 6 teams from each Regional Final had the opportunity to travel to the National Finals, where the National Champion of each competition category was crowned.

You can watch footage from the National Finals back via the ESFA’s YouTube Channel, ESFA TV.

ESFA National Finals, featured, Girls' Football, PS Next Level

PlayStation Schools’ Cup Finals at West Bromwich Albion

Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming PlayStation Schools’ Cup National Finals at West Bromwich Albion’s Hawthorns stadium

The ESFA is delighted to be returning to the Hawthorns, home of West Bromwich Albion FC, for the PlayStation Schools’ Cup Finals 2023, taking place from Monday 22nd – Thursday 25th May. The finals will see 40 teams across the U12-U15 age groups compete for the chance to be crowned national champions!

West Bromwich Albion provides a fantastic venue to host the 20 finals, sponsored by PlayStation and by combining the use of the WBA Academy Dome as well as the main stadium, it provides every team with a fantastic match-day experience from warm up to their post-match meal.

Fixtures

You can see the full fixture schedule for the PlayStation Schools’ Cup Finals below, click left or right to see what games feature on which days.

Show your support

Entry is free of charge and no ticket will be required. Spectators will park in the East Stand Car Park and access the stadium via turnstiles located in the West Stand.  There is no cost to park in the stadium car park. There will be a refreshments kiosk available for spectators to purchase food and drinks.  Souvenir programmes will be available, free of charge.

All PlayStation Schools’ Cup Finals will be streamed live via the ESFA’s YouTube channel, ESFA TV. Each final will feature full commentary and provide a great viewing experience for all those supporters who are unable to travel to the stadium. A player of the match vote for each fixture will go live on the ESFA’s twitter page (@schoolsfootball) 10 minutes before full time so make sure you follow and get voting. Photographs of the day can also be purchased from the ESFA Official Photographer following the event.

The ESFA is delighted to be hosting these National Final events at such a fantastic venue and hope to welcome a number of spectators along to the event to cheer on this season’s finalists as they complete their schools’ football season.