English Schools' Football Association

Chairman: Mike Coyne

The ESFA international programme was completed with mixed playing fortunes for our U18 boys’ squad. Defeat in Poland and Scotland was followed up by a good away win in Dublin at the new Tallaght Stadium, home of Shamrock Rovers FC. These last three games told a story of mixed fortunes on the pitch this season.

While we all agree that match results are important they are only part of the international experience for ESFA international players. High standards of conduct and dress are expected from all players whom represent the ESFA. I am delighted to say that this year’s squad were excellent representatives of the ESFA and it has been a pleasure to watch them grow and develop as footballers and young men this season. I wish them every success in their future lives and football careers.

The 700 seater Toryglen Indoor Arena was the scene for the first game for the new ESFA U15 Girls’ representative team. The team certainly did us proud on and off the pitch. Led by our two young lady coaches the team swept to a deserved 3–1 win against a good Scottish team who had completed a full season, losing only once before. I believe this game was an important step for the ESFA as a schools' organisation and I hope to see this team as a regular part of our international programme in the future. I congratulate the Chief Executive for his work to ensure that this first landmark representative game went ahead. I must also congratulate the ESFA National Competitions Department for their excellent work in staging the many national finals enjoyed by many this season. I know that our schools, colleges, associations and counties appreciate the work that they do and that the prestige venues attained for ESFA national finals are key to the status of our competitions. I am personally grateful to ESFA Vice Chair, John Appleby, who has represented me at a good number of finals this season.

I was able to attend the U12 final at Craven Cottage recently and it demonstrated the qualities of an ESFA occasion. Sponsors Danone showed their great support, a good crowd of partisan supporters was in attendance and it was a great game of football. The quality of the football and the event certainly made an impression on two special guests who were present for the game. England '66 hero George Cohen was very impressed by the quality of the game and FA Chairman David Bernstein said, “I was really impressed with every aspect of the event. Please pass this on to all involved.”