Regional Selectors
The International Programme is governed by the ESFA’s Council through its Representative Football Committee. The Committee sets the international programme, which is built around the competitive fixtures provided by the Schools’ International Football Association Board (SAFIB). The Council further supports the international programme by running a series of regional trials, co-ordinated by a Council member or their nominee.
For the 21/22 season, regional co-ordinators are:
U15 Girls
Council member | Area |
Gavin Rusling | South West of England |
Eammon Kearney | South East of England |
Mark Hignett | Midlands |
Owen Aiston | North of England |
U18 Boys
Council member | Area |
Gareth Rusling | South West of England |
Eammon Kearney | South East of England |
Mark Hignett | Midlands |
Owen Aiston | North of England |
Council are supported in their work by an International Programme Co-ordinator, who administers the programme behind the scenes. For the boys, this voluntary post is held by Derv Chown. For the Girls, the post is held by Chris Baty.
Staffing the Squads

Each team is run by a set of volunteers and we are immensely grateful to them to giving their time to support the international programme. We hope that our volunteer management teams have as good an experience as the pupils who play.
The personnel for 22/23 is:
U15 Girls
Name | Position |
Sian Williams | Manager |
Oz Rowley | Assistant Manager |
David Ebberson | Goalkeeping Coach |
Abi Urmston |
Physio |
Chris Baty | International programme Coordinator |
U18 Boys
Name | Position |
Luke Hampton | Manager |
Matthew Atherton | Assistant Manager |
James Norton | Goalkeeping Coach |
Additional Staff
Name | Position |
Samantha Taylor-Whitehead | Welfare Officer |
Michael Mckenzie | Project Manager |