ESFA National Finals, featured, National Competitions

ESFA open National Competition entries for the 2022/23 Season

The English Schools’ Football Association have opened entries for their National Schools’ Cup Competitions for the 2022/23 season!

The ESFA’s ever growing portfolio of competitions attract over 16,000 teams to enter each season and cover all age groups from U11-U18. 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  champions of England  in their respective competitions.  

ESFA Chair Stuart Botham said: 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.  

Click below to download the ESFA’s Competitions PDF brochure which lists all of the competitions the ESFA offers, eligibility criteria and information on how to register your teams.

Go to https://www.esfa.co.uk/schools to register your teams!

Make sure you are quick though, the entry deadline for all National Competitions is Saturday 23rd July so make sure you get your entries in and join the 16,000+ teams taking part!

featured, Match Reports, National Competitions, The World of Schools' Football

A throwback to the opening week of the 2021/22 season!

ESFA official photographer Garry Griffiths has been up and down the country this season covering ESFA National cup ties from the first rounds, all the way to the semi final stage. In the lead up to ESFA national finals in May, the ESFA will be looking back at some of the games he has covered throughout the season and shining the spotlight on as many teams as possible involved in ESFA National Cup Competitions.

ESFA Playstation F.C. U14 Schools’ Cup Round 1

Moreton School 0 Wombourne High School 421st September 2021

Our season opener took us a short drive to Wolverhampton for the opening round tie in the Boys Under 14 competition as Moreton School hosted Wombourne High School.

The first point of order was the installation of some new goal nets after the local wildlife had decided to have a nibble at the old ones – probably the cleanest nets we have seen at a schools cup tie, straight out of the packaging and into action!

A delayed journey for the visitors across to Wolverhampton meant a later than expected start but we were soon underway although neither side were able to hit those newly installed nets and the game went into the break level at 0-0.

It took Wombourne High School just seconds to correct that though as a shot into the far corner gave them the lead with the first attack of the second half with a second goal putting them in command of the tie.

The home side didn’t let their heads drop though and pushed for a way back into the game, the woodwork denying them a goal as the visitors goal led a charmed life.

Two further goals, the last one with the final kick of the game, gave the score line a harsh look for Moreton School but it was a deserved win for Wombourne High School to progress into round two.

ESFA Playstation F.C. U12 Elite Schools’ Cup- Round 1

Riddlesdown Collegiate 5 Wilsons School 2 (AET)24th September 2021

Towards the end of the same week we headed south for what turned out to be a classic U12 Elite cup tie between Riddlesdown Collegiate and Wilsons School.

The home side had plenty of pressure and chances but a stubborn defensive performance from the visitors kept Riddlesdown at bay and, despite edging in front twice, they were pegged back to send the game into extra time after finishing 2-2 at full time.

Both sides had chances to win the game late on with some heart stopping moments for both sides – who would be a schools football team manager?!

The extra time period made all the difference as the home side eventually took advantage of their persistent pressure with 3 goals finally seeing them into round two although credit must go to Wilsons for an excellent display in defeat with hard work and determination throughout the team.

A brilliant start to the season with our next stop a week long trip to Devon – stay tuned for that report coming soon!

A huge thank you to Garry Griffiths for providing this report and the photos. Please contact ThreeFiveThree Photography to have your ESFA cup tie featured!