English Schools FA 5-a-side National Football Finals at PlayFootball on Monday 16th March 2020 (c) Garry Griffiths | ThreeFiveThree Photography
On Monday 16 March the ESFA hosted the National Finals of the indoor Footy Fives competition at PlayFootball in Birmingham.
The U12 indoor “Footy Fives” Competition, which is sponsored by trophy and medal provider Running Imp, saw 8 boys’ and 8 girls’ regional finalists travel to the heart of the country for their chance to be crowned national champions. The event kicked off with an opening ceremony, whereby each team was presented with their area champions trophies, celebrating their achievement and wishing them luck for the event.
The finals were well attended by spectators who filled the venue and lined the pitches, providing cheers and words of encouragement throughout the day.
The teams were split into two groups of 4 who all played each other in a group stage format. The top 2 teams in the group went through to the semi-finals and the bottom two teams were entered into the plate competition.
The level of football on display was high and the competition was fierce as all the teams battled for a chance to be crowned national champions.
The first girls’ finalist was St Benedict’s High School from Warwickshire who battled through a tough semi-final with a talented St James’ Catholic High School from Stockport, scoring late into extra time. They faced Shenfield High School who had shown impressive goalscoring form throughout the group stages. St Benedict’s came out victorious winning 2-1, battling for every ball and showing great determination and skill to hold on to their lead.
St Benedict’s High School- National Champions
Cardinal Newman Catholic school from Luton faced Acland Burghley from London in the boy’s final after both teams showed impressive form to win their respective groups. This was an amazing game to watch and Cardinal Newman exploded out of the blocks scoring 3 early goals. Acland Burghley fought back however scoring 3 goals in the second half to take the game to extra time. It was Cardinal Newman Catholic School however who came out on top and were crowned national champions.
Cardinal Newman Catholic School- National Champions
A big thank you to all the teams who attended and congratulations to Cardinal Newman and St Benedicts High School on your fantastic achievement.
All pictures courtesy of 353 photography. Click here to visit their website and view more.
The National Governing Body for Schools’ Football in England.
