Tag: international

ESFA Internationals

ESFA International Programme 2020

The English Schools' FA

Following discussions between the English Schools’ FA, other International Associations and SAFIB, it is with regret that the decision has been made to cancel the remainder of the ESFA’s International Programme for U18 Boys and U15 Girls in light of the present worldwide Coronavirus situation.

Both squads have enjoyed a fantastic 2020 season, with positive results in both friendly and competitive matches and with both teams undertaking some highly productive training in Eindhoven last month. As an Association, we have been greatly anticipating the Boys’ matches in the Centenary Shield, particularly the two home fixtures which were due to take place at Spennymoor and North Ferriby as well as the Girls’ Bob Docherty tournament, which was scheduled for Lilleshall National Sports Centre in April.

The ESFA is hopeful that there may be an opportunity later in the year where there may be a possibility to host an event with all of this season’s England players, to celebrate their achievements and the Association will be sure to share this information as and when the possibility arises.

In the meantime, the ESFA would like to take this opportunity to thank the fantastic players, their families, ESFA Management teams, venues, support staff and everyone else who has played a significant part in creating the success of both the England U15 Schoolgirls and England U18 Schoolboys squads this season.

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.