English Schools' Football Association

John Appleby

Since I last wrote my notes from the Council meeting in January the number of tasks and events has been steadily increasing as the end of the season approaches.

In January I was fortunate to be able to take in a number of games in the Individual Schools’ Competitions at various age groups. It is a real pleasure to see the enthusiasm and effort that schools put into their matches and I was made most welcome by the staff. The England U15 Girls’ North v South game also took place, and in spite of extremely testing conditions, the standard of play was extremely high and left the team management and selectors with a difficult task.

The last weekend in January was the date for the England Under 18 Boys’ training weekend and International Dinner at Lilleshall National Sports Centre, where players were presented with their shirts and squad numbers. It was a real honour to make such a presentation and to be amongst such a group of young ambassadors was an uplifting experience. Des Comerford of Fallen Hero, our uniform sponsors, received his life membership at the dinner. The first International against Australia at AFC Wulfrunians was a good game that ended goalless. Our hosts were wonderful and I am sure we would like to play there again.

The Trustees and Officers met in early February in Reading. I followed that with a trip to Alicante with the International squad where games were won against Benidorm and Valencia, the second being an outstanding performance. The players received lots of praise from guests and staff at the hotel because of their attitudes and behaviours which were of the highest standards at all times. The management and support team should take enormous credit for the way that they handle the team.

In February I also represented the ESFA at the Wembley International against Holland. March began with a journey into deepest Wales and the pain of a 1-0 defeat against a committed Welsh team. Our boys did not do themselves justice but a week later played extremely well in a 2-0 defeat against a very strong Polish Under 17 side. A little luck and the width of the cross bar prevented them from recording what would have been an outstanding result to match an excellent performance. Once again the hospitality afforded the Association by Dagenham and Redbridge FC was superb and I thank the members of Essex CSFA for staging the game and in particular Mike Spinks and Stuart Bottoms who were at the forefront of their efforts.

Between the International games I attended the National 5 a side finals at the Powerleague at Derby. It was once again a showcase of the outstanding work of our National Competitions Department and the invaluable support on the day of Nottinghamshire Schools’ FA led by John Williamson, Barry Shackley, Mike Simmons and Bob Young. This willing band also staged the Tesco Cup Midlands finals and I paid a visit to see how well the events are staged.

The week before Council I attended two Under 18 Girls’ Cup Finals, the first at The Don Valley Stadium, courtesy of Rotherham United, between St Julie’s School from Liverpool and defending champions Thurstable School from Essex. Thurstable retained their title by winning 3-2 after extra time.

In the Under 18 Colleges’ game played at Torquay United the following day, Filton College from Bristol, beat Gateshead College from Durham, by 3-2 having been 2-1 down with less than 10 minutes to go. The standard of football in the girls’ game continues to improve year on year and both games were played at a high tempo and with a great deal of skill and tactical acumen.

What was really pleasing was the welcome from the professional clubs who are very keen to work with ESFA in hosting such prestigious games. Rob Windle of RWT Photography, also does a tremendous job for us in photographing our events and everywhere we go, Rob is there to ensure that there is a digital record of the events.

England Under 18 Boys’ Team Manager, Andy Williams, has the constitution of an ox such is his commitment. Headteacher of a Junior School in Widnes as well as being team manager for the ESFA Under 18 side he also coaches Liverpool in the elite ladies league. Just to add to an even more hectic lifestyle Andy has committed to doing two weeks charity work in India during the summer holidays. I asked him to write to me as I think that the ESFA football family can help him with this project. Here are his words:

“I have been invited to attend a 2 week sports camp in Cochin, Kerala, Southern India - coaching football and cricket to children from the slums of Cochin. These children have no education, no belongings, no bedroom - they live in real poverty.

The emphasis is on having some fun, showing them that someone cares about them, organising activities to develop friendships and build self-esteem. How can schools help?

Organise a kit collection of unwanted items of sports clothing including boots / trainers, but predominantly football shirts. Donate any additional school kit that is not wanted - eg cricket equipment or tennis balls, etc. Raise money and donate online to Blythswood Care.

The address any contributions should be sent to:

Blythswood Care, PO Box 209, Woolton, Liverpool, L26 0XF

Contributions should be sent with a contact name and address - all contributions will receive photographs and a thank you letter after the trip.”

I am sure that ESFA affiliates could fill a container to send to India. Please distribute this e mail to all of your schools as well as all personal friends who may be able to help.