U16 ESFA’s School Cup Finalists

U16 ESFA’s School Cup Finalists

In a competition of more than 600 schools around the country, Weydon School are justifiably proud of their U16 Cup Finalists.

Weydon’s 3-1 win over Windsor Boys’ School in Slough, sees them face Samuel Whitbread from the Bedford district in the final, after they recorded a victory over St Cuthbert’s High School in Newcastle.

The final will take place at 1130am on Friday 5^th May 2023 at Stoke’s Bet365 stadium and be streamed live.  

Semi-finalists in 2022, the team have gone one step further this year and coach Adam Allaway is justifiably proud.

“I could not be more proud of these boys for the commitment they have shown towards this football team over the last 5 years. They have made Weydon history by getting to this cup final, and shown an unbelievable attitude to go one better than last years semi-final heartbreak. The way the boys conduct themselves at all times is what gives me the most pride. They are 17 incredible young men who will go on to do great things on and off the football pitch. Let’s have one last push and bring the National Cup home”.

A first for Weydon and for Farnham, we would like to wish them all the very best of luck for the final.
#teamweydon

Background information

Route to the final 

Round 1: Bye

Round 2: Win against Hoe Valley School (Woking) 3-0

Round 3: Win against Blessed Hugh Farringdon Catholic School (Reading) 1-0

Round 4: Win against The Mountbatten School (Eastleigh & Winchester) 2-0

Round 5: Win against Springfield School (Portsmouth): 5-0

Round 6: Win against Dr Challoner’s Grammar (Chiltern & South Bucks) 1:1 FT (4-1  on penalties)

Round 7: Win against Onslow St Audrey’s School (mid Hertfordshire) 5-1
Quarter-final: Win against Beechen Cliff School (Bath) 2-1
Semi final: Win against The Windsor Boys’ School (Slough) 3-1

Last Year’s final

If you would like to view last years final, see the youtube link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rcsz1FE8jA

A message from the Chairman of ESFA

Schools’ Football provides a unique experience for all – motivated children, committed and valued teachers and enthused parents/carers. 

School representation in a National Cup Competition offers children the opportunity to develop their abilities and demonstrate their talent, but what should not be underestimated are the many other facets that schools’ football provides.  

Personal development of all children is vital as they grow and the positive values that children hold as they participate in schools’ football, such as leadership, sportsmanship, integrity as well as their own character traits such as effort, determination and perseverance are key life skills that are honed through school sport. These are the very skills that children will need for the future in a very demanding world.  

Stuart Botham 

ESFA Chair 

ESFA Competitions

The ESFA’s National Competition programme attracts around 16,000 team entries, at secondary school level each season, with teams entering year on year as a result of the exceptional provision of competitions offered. The ESFA carefully ensures that the competition offer meets the needs of the schools which enter and the friendly and professional approach of the ESFA National Competitions’ Department, not only keeps teams returning, but encourages new schools and teams to take part in and experience our National Cup programme, season after season. 

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 champion of England in their respective competitions. 

National Finals over recent seasons have been hosted at venues such as West Bromwich Albion FC, Man City FC, Everton FC and Stoke City FC, all of which provide an incredible match day experience for those teams involved.  We always strive to ensure that finalists receive a full match day experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.  

Last years winners were Brooke House College in Leicestershire with Hurstmere School in Kent the runners up.