ESFA National Finals

U14 Inter County Cup – Joint National Champions Crowned

Essex County Schools’ FA and Lancashire County Schools’ FA crowned National Champions in the 2019/20 U14 PlayStation F.C. Schools’ Cup inter County Cup competition.

The English Schools’ FA has declared Essex County Schools’ FA and Lancashire County Schools’ FA joint champions of the U14 PlayStation F.C. Schools’ Cup Inter County Cup for Season 2019-2020.

The decision has been taken after Covid-19 prematurely ended the season and it was established that it would not be feasible for these teams to participate in this year’s National Final match.

Darren Alcock, ESFA National Competitions Manager said “Players of both Essex and Lancashire Schools’ FA have worked incredibly hard to reach this English Schools’ FA Cup Final.   We are very pleased to have reached a resolution for this final which recognises the effort, skill and determination of those involved with both teams.   To be crowned a National Champion is an extremely prestigious honour, so we hope that the players, staff and communities will enjoy this accolade and we wish the players well in their future football endeavours.”  

Essex U14 Team Managers, Keith Thwaits, Dave Croker, Reece Powell & Dave Agass (MBE) said, “Sadly, after eight months of hope and a fantastic season,  following an announcement from the government regarding the advice that residents under tier 3 covid controls should not travel outside of their area,   it was agreed the Trophy would be shared with our opponents Lancashire. A fantastic season, spoilt by the Coronavirus Pandemic.  We have all really enjoyed taking this group of boys, who showed all the qualities required to be National Champions. We hope they have enjoyed and learnt from their experience whilst being involved in the County team. We wish them all the best in their future football careers.

Lancashire U14 Team Manager, Neil Black said “It has been a remarkable season especially when you consider the amount of games the players have played for their respective clubs. We gave an opportunity to 23 boys to represent their County and each and every one of them played their part in our success. We entered both the Northern Counties and the National County competition and the team were able to experience different styles of football that is not present with academy and grass roots clubs. Throughout the competition, the boys have epitomised what it is to play schoolboy football. They play football the correct way with a smile on their faces and they have enjoyed every fixture we have played. I would like to thank Mike Timberlake, Thomas Jones, Andy Buckingham and parents for their support and assistance throughout the season but most importantly I would to thank the players for their dedication and commitment to schoolboy football. It has been a great privilege to coach and manage the U14 boys’ team this year. They have demonstrated not only outstanding quality in possession of the ball but also great desire to win the ball back. This is clearly evident from the great team spirit which has been developed over the season. They truly deserve all the accolades they receive and I will look forward to seeing their development when the reach U16 level.

ESFA National Finals

U18 Schools’ Cup for Girls – Joint National Champions Crowned

Thomas Telford School and Barking Abbey School crowned National Champions in the 2019/20 U18 Schools’ Cup for Girls competition.

The English Schools’ FA has declared Thomas Telford School (Telford & Wrekin) and Barking Abbey School (Barking & Dagenham) joint champions of the U18 Schools’ Cup for Girls for Season 2019-2020.

The decision has been taken after Covid-19 prematurely ended the season and it was established that it would not be feasible for these teams to participate in this year’s National Final match.

Darren Alcock, ESFA National Competitions Manager said “Players and staff at Thomas Telford School and Barking Abbey have worked incredibly hard to reach this English Schools’ FA Cup Final.   We are very pleased to have reached a resolution for this final which recognises the effort, skill and determination of those involved with both teams.   To be crowned a National Champion is an extremely prestigious honour, so we hope that the players, staff and school communities will enjoy this accolade and we wish the players well in their future football endeavours.”