English Schools' Football Association

The 2015 English Schools’ FA PlayStation Schools’ Cup Festival kicked off in spectacular fashion on the opening day with five national schools’ champions crowned at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium.

Packed with fantastic goals, saves, celebrations and star power in the form of Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey, the day was a fitting opening to the three-day spectacular at this state-of-the-art 24,000 seater stadium.

It wasn’t just those in the stadium who got to enjoy this thrilling schools’ action either, with over 5,000 viewers tuning in to the multi-camera HD coverage on the PlayStation Schools’ Cup website and YouTube channel.

Stanley lift the trophy as U12 B Team Cup Champions

The action began with rain falling, but spirits weren’t dampened on the pitch or in the stands as Stanley High School and Glyn School served up a thrilling opener with Stanley High School emerging 3-2 victors in the 9-a-side Under 12 PlayStation Schools’ Cup for B Teams. Despite leading throughout the game, Glyn kept pegging their opponents back to a one-goal deficit and were unfortunately unable to take the match to penalties after making it 4-3 with three minutes remaining.

The fans were embracing the carnival atmosphere right from the first whistle, as well as the PlayStation giveaways including bam bam sticks, giant foam hands and the exciting t-shirt cannons that were picking out gleeful supporters in the crowd.

Oxford Academy win the U12 Schools' Cup for Boys' Trophy

The next match was a much lower scoring affair, but certainly didn’t lack excitement as Oxford Academy edged out Steven Gerrard’s former school Cardinal Heenan 1-0 in the 9-a-side Under 12 final. A first half goal settled the game in what was the first of two finals today for Cardinal Heenan who would line up again later in the Under 14 Schools’ Cup.

Haverstock lift the U14 Small Schools' Cup with the help of Aaron Ramsey

The Under 14 Small Schools’ Trophy was next up, and what a nail biter it proved to be as the fate of the trophy was eventually decided on penalties. It was Haverstock School from Camden who would benefit from the shootout lottery as they defeated Stanley High School 4-2 on penalties after the pair had cancelled each other out 1-1 in normal time.

There was then a surprise guest that took the reins of the awards presentation as Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey presented the medals to both the winners and the runners up. It worked as a great pick-me-up for the Stanley team who were disappointed not to emulate the success of their Under 12 side from the opening match.

Aaron stuck around to sign some autographs and pose for photos with fanatical supporters who were delighted to see him just a day after his impressive performance for Arsenal away at Old Trafford.

Cardinal Heenan win the U14 Schools' Cup Trophy

The penultimate game of the day saw Cardinal Heenan look to leave Reading with at least one national trophy for the school in the Under 14 Schools’ Cup for Boys, and they proved to be successful as they put in an assured performance to beat Luton school Barnfield West Academy 3-0. The same team lost on the Madejski Stadium pitch in the Under 13 final at the Festival last year, but put those memories behind them to wrap up an impressive victory.

Thomas Telford win the U14 B Team Cup in the final match of the day!

Finally with the sun shining, the Under 14 B Team Cup was the closing match of the opening day between Thomas Telford and Weydon School. It was to be Thomas Telford who got their hands on the trophy as they edged a close encounter 2-0, however they will be indebted to goalkeeper John Acton who put in an inspirational performance to win the man of the match award and a PlayStation 4 console.

Highlights of all matches from Monday right through to Wednesday are all available on the PlayStation Schools’ Cup website, or by searching ‘PlayStation Schools Cup’ on YouTube.