About our Competitions

CLICK TO VIEW FIXTURES & RESULTS

(this will open a new window)

ESFA_U13_SHSvSHS_240522_0663.JPG


View all ESFA National Schools’ Cup Competition Information

Simply download the PDF brochure below which lists all of the ESFA’s competitions and eligibility guidance for each:  

FINAL ESFA National Cup Programme 2022

Competition Play On Dates

National Competitions 2023/24

Play on dates: Play on Dates for ESFA National Competitions – Season 2023-2024

Register Now

Click here and login to your account and register your team.  

If you do not have a login, please contact [email protected] for support.


A message from the Chairman  

Schools’ Football provides a unique experience for all – motivated children, committed and valued teachers and enthused parents/carers.  

School representation in a National Cup Competition offers children the opportunity to develop their abilities and demonstrate their talent, but what should not be underestimated are the many other facets that schools’ football provides.    

Personal development of all children is vital as they grow and the positive values that children hold as they participate in schools’ football, such as leadership, sportsmanship, integrity as well as their own character traits such as effort, determination and perseverance are key life skills that are honed through school sport. These are the very skills that children will need for the future in a very demanding world.    

In the 2022/23 season, we have the chance to make schools’ football a memorable experience for everyone involved in a safe and inclusive environment, that provides National Competitions for all schools and for children of all ages and abilities.  

If your school has previously been involved in our National Cup Competitions, I know you will recognise their value and be keen to enter again this season. If you are considering entering for the first time, you have the opportunity to give your players the unique and special experience created by the English Schools’ FA and showcased through the continual provision and improvement of their fantastic competition portfolio.  

Stuart Botham  

ESFA Chair  


Our Competitions

The ESFA’s National Competition programme attracts around 16,000 team entries, at secondary school level each season, with teams entering year on year as a result of the exceptional provision of competitions offered. The ESFA carefully ensures that the competition offer meets the needs of the schools which enter and the friendly and professional approach of the ESFA National Competitions’ Department, not only keeps teams returning, but encourages new schools and teams to take part in and experience our National Cup programme, season after season.  

National Competitions are at the very heart of what the ESFA has to offer, in creating thousands of opportunities for children to play grassroots football at a National level. Each season culminates with a period of National Finals, in which finalists travel to various prestigious football stadia across England to compete to be crowned champion of England in their respective competitions.  

The PlayStation F.C. Schools’ Cup partnership, which covers the 20 Under 12 – Under 15 Schools’ Cup competitions, ensures that the ESFA is able to offer additional opportunities to participating schools and create additional lasting memories for teams involved within the competitions. Heading into its 10th season, the partnership has provided incredible opportunities for schools, players and pupils and will continue to take competitions to the Next Level in the 22/23 season.  

The ESFA prides itself in being able to showcase the abilities of the top players and teams, but also offers a variety of categories of competition that will be appropriate for differing levels of ability.   National Finals over recent seasons have been hosted at venues such as West Bromwich Albion FC, Man City FC, Everton FC and Stoke City FC, all of which provide an incredible match day experience for those teams involved.   We always strive to ensure that finalists receive a full match day experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.    

Don’t take our word for it…

Here’s some of the feedback we’ve had from National Finalists…

“Thanks so much to you and all your team for making such great memories for all our students and parents in attendance. The players are already talking about what they can do to get back to another National final” –  Shenfield High School, Essex

“The organisation and venue were excellent so well done to you guys there. Although we didn’t get the result we’d hoped for, we all had a brilliant day including the 200 students who came down to watch and the rest of the school who watched it on your tv channel. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get to another final in the years to come”  – Our Lady’s, Manchester

“Once again, the venue was excellent and you looked after us so well. Thank you for the hospitality. We appreciate the hard work, effort and attention to detail that goes into events like this so wanted to ensure it did not go unnoticed”  –  Hartpury College, Gloucester