Making Weydon History – ESFA’s School Cup Winners 2023

The U16 boys team have made Weydon history by becoming the English School Football Associations School Cup Winners for 2023. In a competition involving over 600 schools, 9 rounds culminated in the final being played at Stoke’s Bet365 stadium on Friday 5^th May against Samuel Whitbread Academy from Bedford.

The match as it unfolded …

Weydon got off to the perfect start when a shot from Ben Thompson was parried by the keeper and Joe Fabry decisively followed in, finding the back of the net and opening the scoring. Samuel Whitbread then put the pressure on and deservedly equalised before half time.

In the second half, with all to play for, both teams solid defending cancelled out any attacking threat. With just 3 minutes to play of normal time, a set piece opportunity saw a close range header from the Samuel Whitbread captain go in off the post and look like he had sealed victory for his team. As the board showed 5 minutes added time, Weydon’s own captain, Tom Prosser’s, long throw was headed out of the box for him to direct back towards goal. The volley deflected off a defender and took the game to penalties. Arguably a fair result after the fantastic quality of play from both teams on the day. As the commentator stated this was “a fantastic advert for U16 football.”

Weydon won the toss and elected to go first. George Chandler was first up scoring with a decisive shot into the corner. Ed Jolley, Weydons coolheaded goalkeeper dived low to his left for an excellent save for Samuel Whitbreads subsequent penalty giving Weydon the advantage. Superb penalties from Taylor Bridger, Jake Higgins and Henry Smith followed by successful penalties from the Samuel Whitbread team meant Jack Conroy, Weydons 5^th penalty taker took to the spot knowing scoring would see them lifting the cup.

Jack showed complete composure as he calmly rolled it into the corner and the stadium erupted with visiting friends and family.

Weydon school had taken a bus of supporters up for the day on the 360 mile round trip. The year 7 and 8 students made themselves heard from the stands and enjoyed the most memorable day out.

Back in Farnham, a screen was put up in the hall at Weydon for other year 11s to be able to watch the game live on youtube and share in the rollercoaster of emotions as the game unfolded.

A truly memorable day for everyone involved and special thanks must go to Adam Allaway who has coached this team over the last 5 years at Weydon and developed them into ESFA’s School Cup Champions 2023.

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1Ajz-rphUE

Jackie Sharman (Weydon Principal)

“I am so proud of the team, to go to penalties is always a nerve-racking experience but their training and sheer determination saw it through. To be the national champions is an incredible achievement which they totally deserve”.

Adam Allaway (Team Manager)

What a fantastic way to finish 5 years with this amazing squad. The game epitomised what these boys stand for. Their never die attitude was shown in the biggest game of their lives so far. The game looked over at 2-1 with only stoppage time remaining but the boys dug deep to find a way through and brought the cup home. The nerve they showed to score all 5 penalties and Ed giving us an early advantage by saving their first one was sensational. These boys have left a legacy at Weydon School and will have inspired younger years to match their achievement. I will miss seeing these 17 gentlemen each day at Weydon but I am looking forward to following their footballing careers in the years to come. Thanks for all your hard work boys!

Tom Prosser (Weydon captain)

Lifting the trophy was an unforgettable experience! We had to battle hard against the best team we’ve ever played. It was a bit of a rollercoaster but equalising late on and then winning on penalties was the best feeling. A real team effort and I’m so proud of everyone. A massive thank you to Mr Allaway, he’s taken us from a bunch of 11 year olds to lifting the national cup in a massive stadium!”

Jack Conroy (winning penalty taker)

Walking up I didn’t know where I was going to put the penalty. I got to the spot and chose bottom right. I heard the people in the crowd giving me a drumroll as I stepped up to take it and then all I remember are the celebrations. I remember everyone running towards me, I didn’t know where to go or what to do until everyone just jumped on top of me”.

Isobel Kandak (year 8 supporter and U13 girls captain)

We were thrilled to be able to go and watch and what a tense game it was! The atmosphere was amazing as everyone in the crowd desperately cheered them on for the win. At the end of a tough game and the amazing penalties they lifted the cup and were crowned champions. It was inspiring to watch and made us realise you really can achieve your dreams!”

Adam Spittle (year 11 supporter and U16 B team player)

“Everyone watching in the hall was absolutely buzzing during an astonishing performance from the year 11 team. I know all the teachers and friends of the team are extremely proud – a footballing achievement that Weydon will never forget”