English Schools' Football Association

Des Williams (far right) celebrates with Vale of White Horse SFA

In an incredible 48 hours for Oxfordshire CSFA Under 16 and Vale of White Horse SFA Under 15 coach Des Williams saw both of his football sides lift their respective English Schools’ FA National Cups. The man who has been involved within Oxfordshire football since the 1970’s stated:

“This is such an incredibly proud moment; all players involved have been a credit to the County, the Association, their Schools and most importantly, themselves. I would also like to thank all of the support staff, the Schools and the parents who helped us all season long and the ESFA for making us welcome and hosting such great finals at both grounds."

Des had every right to feel justified in his celebrations this month, after losing two previous finals in extra time and one on penalties.

“Someone was smiling down on us this season, we always played hard and never lied down, even when playing against what some might consider stronger teams” he said.

In the U15 Inter Association Trophy final between Vale of White Horse SFA and Newcastle Upon Tyne SFA, hosted at Hull City FC it finished 1-1 at full time with Wayne Dunn scoring for Newcastle and Luke Thorne finishing for the Vale.

The match turned to penalties with the Vale triumphing 7-6, the goal scorers are as follows; Newcastle: Jordan Gabriel, Reece Richardson, Jordan Garrett, Wayne Dunn, Billy Nicolls and Johnathan Archibold.

Vale of White Horse: Jack Plosynski, Robbie Cundy, Eddie Cavanagh, Jordan Davies, Cameron Taylor, Anthony Martin, Tom White

In the U16 Inter County Trophy final Oxfordshire matched up against Durham at Nottingham Forest FC, finishing 2-2 at full time with goals from Connor Halpin (2), Dominic Hyam and Jack Gurr (OG). Oxfordshire took the initiative in extra time and powered in front with goals from Hyam (2) and Elouahabi (2) to finish the game as 6-2 winners.

These recent triumphs are a just reward for the man who had dedicated his life to Schools’ Football in the Oxfordshire area. Currently the Chairman and Secretary of the Oxfordshire Schools FA, Des began his teaching career in Wantage in 1970, and took it upon himself to seek unity between the schools in the Vale of White Horse region to form the association in 1976; 36 years later, they are crowned U15 Inter-Association Trophy champions for 2011/12 at the KC Stadium.

The ESFA would like to congratulate Des on all his hard work and diligence over the past three decades and certainly look forward to seeing his sides compete again in next season’s competitions!

Photo courtesy of www.rwt-photography.co.uk