Tag: England U18 Boys

ESFA Internationals, The World of Schools' Football

Throwback Thursday – 2016’s International Success

The English Schools' FA

With the 2019 England squads’ international journeys cut short and ahead of the 20/21 squad selections, we’re going on our travels with ESFA photographer, Garry Griffiths (353 Photography), to recount some of the International action he managed to capture back in 2016

Today’s “ËœThrowback Thursday’ sees us jump into the time machine and back to 2016 when we tasted international success with both the Girls U15 and Boys U18 squads etching their name on silverware.

England U15 Girls 1 – 0 ROI U15 Girls
Bob Docherty Cup Final 2016

The Bob Docherty Cup was held in South Wales and England’s girls went into the final game against the Republic of Ireland having claimed their place in the title decider with 2-0 wins over Wales, with goals from Katie Robinson and Sophie Quirk, and then Scotland as Ellie Hack and Jodie Hutton hit the target.

In a close and tense final there would be just one goal that settled it and that came from Holly Manders in the second half as the England girls held on to lift the trophy in front of a large travelling army of England supporters – even a torrential downpour seconds after the presentation could not dampen the spirits after a tough 3 days of competition in Newport.

Photos: 353 Photography

England U18 Boys 2 – 2 Republic of Ireland
Centenary Shield Final 2016

Just 3 days earlier, at Fleetwood Town’s Highbury Stadium, the Under 18 Boys had put themselves in pole position for the Centenary Shield title with their third win of the competition, a 2-1 win over Scotland thanks to a brace from Aaron Smith.

The late winner at Fleetwood ensured the lads went into the final game with the Republic of Ireland on the back of three successive 2-1 wins having beaten Northern Ireland (scorers Joe Thomas and Zak Lilley) and Wales (scorers George Lamb and Aaron Smith) before the win over the Auld Enemy.

It proved not to be the latest goal of the international season though, the following week saw the Republic take a 2-0 lead before Smith was again on target to halve the deficit before substitute Sam Grouse bundled home a dramatic equaliser in injury time to break Irish hearts and hand England the shield.

A selection of photos from the U18 Boys’ Centenaray Shield campaign | Photos: 353 Photography

Two dramatic and successful campaigns that will live in the memory for a long time to come!

ESFA Internationals, International Football

England Squad Eindhoven Training Camp – Round up

The English Schools' FA

Last week saw the England U18 Schoolboy and U15 Schoolgirl squads make the trip to Eindhoven for their 4 day training camp, courtesy of ESFA travel providers, inspiresport.

Both teams had the opportunity to play two friendly matches during the trip and you can read match reports from the boys’ match v Utrecht U17s and girls’ match against Feyenoord U15s here.

Aside from two friendly matches, the teams experienced training sessions with PSV Eindhoven coaches at their De Herdgang training facility.

Having arrived in the Netherlands through Storm Dennis, the weather showed little signs of improvement across the continent with a mix of strong winds, rain and an icy feel to the temperature despite the sunshine making an appearance during the early morning practice sessions.

As well as the excellent sporting facilities available to both squads at the hotel, there was also an opportunity for a behind the scenes tour of the Phillips Stadium, home of PSV Eindhoven, with the girls also taking in a tour of the KNVB Campus after their game on Sunday afternoon. At the home of the Dutch National sides, the girls were given a look around the excellent facilities on hand for the cream of Dutch football as well as being given a few lessons in Dutch football history along the way.

All in all the trip once again provided the perfect opportunity for coaches and players to bond for their upcoming Centenary Shield and Bob Docherty Cup matches.

Over the next few days we’ll be posting interviews taken with U15 squad members, Niamh O’Neill and Leonie Telford and U18 players Kenny Bernal and Ross Johnstone – giving their thoughts on the benefits of the tour – look out for the links in the next few days.

Keep an eye out for even more videos from the Eindhoven experience ahead of upcoming friendly and competitive fixtures for both of the ESFA’s England squads this season.