English Schools' Football Association

Festival Action

Lilleshall May 26th to 28th 2014

The Under 14 festival began with a lunch for all teams and a welcome from ESFA Chairman, Dave Woollaston. Festival Committee Chairman John Appleby, thanked Lorna Blakeman for all the work she had done as if truth be told she has almost single handedly organised the whole affair.

Day one began in glorious weather and the first two games played were Surrey v Lancashire and Dorset v Staffordshire. National Champions Lancashire were too strong for Surrey and ran out comfortable winners, Staffordshire led Dorset 2-0 at the break and finished 4-2 ahead in a very even second half.

Games 3 and 4 involved Worcestershire and Sussex and South Yorkshire and locals Shropshire, South Yorkshire and Shropshire finished 2-2 in a tight hard fought game whilst Worcestershire came from behind to beat Sussex by the odd goal in 5.

Last match of the day involved the two furthest travellers with Durham taking on Kent, beaten finalists at this years national championship. Kent led early but Durham rallied and claimed victory with a twice taken penalty in the last minute.

The festival is not only a showcase for excellent girl footballers but the referees pool was made up of young people who were all still at school. Their mentor Mark Warren ensured that all games were well refereed by young people who all volunteered to give up their holidays to support school's football. A large number of parents were there to support their daughters and the whole atmosphere was a joy to behold not that the games were any less competitive for being in a festival format with no league tables, cups or medals to be won.

On Tuesday all teams will play two games and all are hoping that the good weather holds.

Under 14 Girls Festival Lilleshall Day 2.

With large parts of the Country suffering from a deluge Lilleshall, although not as warm as the previous day , was dry and bright with teams from all ten Counties prepared to engage with each other, not only on the field of play but off it in the dining rooms and leisure areas. New friendships are being built not only with the coaching staff and management teams, but most importantly the players, the educational and social benefits of this festival having equal importance alongside those of football.

Day 2 began early with matches involving Lancashire against Sussex and South Yorkshire taking on Kent. Kent who were missing key players through International call ups were beaten 5-1 by a South Yorkshire side who are improving day on day. Lancashire continued on their way with a 4-1 victory over a Sussex side who created chances but lacked a finishing touch.

The second round of matches involved Staffordshire against Surrey and Shropshire against Worcestershire. Both were very close games, Staffordshire coming from behind to win 3-1 and Worcestershire gaining victory by 2-1 with a winner in the last seconds of the match.

The afternoon session began with Durham playing Dorset and Staffordshire against Sussex. The latter finished 0-0 in a very entertaining game with the Sussex keeper making outstanding saves to deny Staffordshire from scoring for the only time in an 11 game season. Durham won a close encounter 1-0 against a very determined Dorset.

Shropshire overcame Kent by 2-0 and Worcestershire continued their good form with victory by the odd goal in 5. South Yorkshire continued their good form with a comfortable win against Dorset and Durham and Lancashire fought out a 1-1 draw in a very entertaining close fought encounter to close proceedings on day 2.

Under 14 Girls Festival Lilleshall Day 3.

Awakening on the last day of the U14 Girls inter county festival it was clear from the pattering on the window that the threatening rain had finally arrived. This did not deter the eight teams playing from enjoying themselves and producing another four thrilling games. Durham completed a superb festival experience by defeating Sussex 2 goals to 1 in a cracking game whilst Lancashire scored the only goal in their encounter with Shropshire. Kent and Worcestershire battled out a 1-1 draw and Dorset finished with a win by overcoming Surrey 3-1.

Despite the wet weather the last day was thoroughly enjoyed by all including the intrepid supporters who braved the conditions to encourage their daughters. The young referees (along with the not so young Bill Quirk) were magnificent and completed the festival with zero cards shown. Football at its best – just as you would expect in schools.

Final results are as below:

Day 1:

Dorset 2 v Staffordshire 4

Lancashire 7 v Surrey 0

Worcestershire 3 v Sussex 2

South Yorkshire 2 v Shropshire 2

Kent 2 v Durham 3

Day 2:

Lancashire 4 v Sussex 1

Kent 1 v South Yorkshire 5

Staffordshire 3 v Surrey 1

Shropshire 1 v Worcestershire 2

Durham 1 v Dorset 0

Staffordshire 0 v Sussex 0

Shropshire 2 v Kent 0

Surrey 2 v Worcestershire 3

Durham 1 v Lancashire 1

South Yorkshire 6 v Dorset 0

Day 3:

Sussex 1 v Durham 2

Shropshire 0 v Lancashire 1

Kent 1 v Worcestershire 1

Dorset 3 v Surrey 1

To view photos from this event please visit RWT Photography.