ESFA National Finals

U16 Elite Schools’ Cup – Joint National Champions Crowned

Cardinal Heenan and Whitgift School crowned champions in the 2019/20 U16 Elite Schools’ Cup Competition

The English Schools’ FA has declared Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School (Liverpool) and Whitgift School (Croydon) joint champions of the ESFA Under 16 Elite Schools’ 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 and staff at Cardinal Heenan and Whitgift School 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.” 

Dean Hanwell, U16 Team Manager at Cardinal Heenan said “Since year 7, this group of boys always looked like they were capable of winning a national cup. To get to the final and to not be able to realise their potential of winning it could be looked at as a disappointment, but in reality, the journey from round 1 to the final itself was a far greater achievement. Toughing out away games where the odds were stacked against them, last minute winners, penalty shoot outs, last ditch tackles and a desire and fight to win was a pleasure to be a part of. 16 boys all contributing, giving their all, showing their true quality and making memories will forever be remembered and they will go down in the school history books as one of the best year groups to win a national cup