English Schools' Football Association

Leeds Metropolitan University have announced plans to extend their support for Schoolboy Football in the British Isles with the launch of an International Tournament.

Following three years of support for the Carnegie Schools Cup in Northern Ireland, Leeds Met will support the Carnegie Centenary Shield, an U18 International Schools' Football Tournament between the nations of England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

This latest development follows the University’s groundbreaking partnerships in recent years with Leeds Rugby (Leeds Rhinos and Leeds Carnegie), Yorkshire County Cricket Club (Yorkshire Carnegie), Cricket Ireland , The Rugby Football League (Carnegie World Club Challenge and Carnegie Challenge Cup), Leeds Carnegie Ladies football team, Rugby Union’s Scottish Exiles, Rugby League Ireland, the Irish Football Association, the Glenn Hoddle Academy and a host of other grass roots sports partnerships.

Peter Rodgers, Dean of Sporting partnerships at Leeds Metropolitan University said,

“This partnership shows our commitment to schools sports as we continue our quest to develop young footballers both on and off the pitch. Many talented footballers want to continue their studies and go into higher education as well as play at the highest level they can over their playing careers. We wish to support that in every way we can and the Carnegie Centenary Shield will provide an excellent way of supporting talented students in school to play at the highest level as well as encourage their progression into higher education.”

“Sport is one of the ways students skills, attitudes and teamwork develop and often produces some of our most successful students who go onto equally successful careers. Leeds Met Carnegie wants to be part of that process and we are delighted to announce this partnership today.”

Participants in the Carnegie Centenary Shield will have further opportunities to acquire Carnegie Scholarships to the University, invitations to experience University football competitions, access to student career counselling and coaching, player support and the opportunity to attend University open days.

In welcoming the support from Carnegie, Allen McKinstry Secretary of the Schools Association Football International Board adds,

“Once again Leeds Met Carnegie has demonstrated their desire to support School Sport. The Carnegie Centenary Shield is a highly competitive event which brings together the very best Schools U18 International sides in a unique competition involving all five home nations. Thanks to this support from Carnegie and the commitment from Sky Sports to broadcast two of this year’s games, the competition will enjoy a much enhanced profile and status. The Republic of Ireland will look forward to defending their title won in dramatic circumstances last year at Sunderland FC, with a victory over England, while the other four nations will be eager to become the first holders of the Carnegie Centenary Shield.’

For Carnegie Centenary Shield fixtures go to www.esfa.co.uk/international