Players and volunteer coaches from across Salford schools are celebrating after a winning weekend of football action in the English Schools’ Football Association Competition Finals.
Teams made up of players from high schools in the city competed in the national finals, with Salford represented in three out of the eight final matches which took place this weekend, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd June.
The teams travelled to the Six Ways Stadium in Worcester to compete across a weekend of action, the culmination of a season-long campaign to reach the finals. This event is showcase event for the English Schools’ FA and a highlight of the season. On Saturday, Salford U15 Girls, made up of Year 10 girls took to the pitch first in front of hundreds of spectators as the took on Brighton SFA for the Champions Cup Plate. Salford came out on top with a 5-4 victory after a very close-fought and competitive game, with the lead changing hands three times during the match.
Goals from Joy Muvuala and Lara Gomes, plus a brace from Isla Farnworth and the winner from Roxie Chalmers saw Salford crowned champions. The team, coached by Paul Johnson was competing in only their first full season together and the first time ever that the city has had a girls Salford Schools Team.
Sunday, saw the boys taking to the pitch, for the U14 Champions Cup Plate Final. Salford were victorious against the Vale of Whitehorse FA with a 4-1 win. Goals from Aaron O’Sullivan, Louie Blackhouse and two from Richard Llara sealed the result for the side, coached by Joe Jones and Adam Fish, in an action-packed game.
Following the U14s, the U13 Team had their chance to keep up Salford’s winning weekend and they didn’t disappoint, completing the hat-trick of victories for the city. The team beat Canterbury St Augustines SFA 3-0 with two goals from Fortune Oboh Momoh and another from Daniel Popelarczyk rounded off what was a fantastic weekend for all the players, coaches and parents.
No other city had more representation at the finals and the three wins highlight the dedication shown by the players and the commitment from the volunteer coaches who give their time to support and nurture the teams in the city. Salford SFA has been developing players across different age groups since its inception in 1913 and regularly has teams competing at the highest standards of the grassroots competition.
The club, with a base at Lower Broughton Road is run by a team of experienced coaching volunteers, who work with local schools to find the best players in the city and bring them together to represent Salford. They compete throughout the season as well as taking on teams from across the country and even competing in international tournaments.
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “This has clearly been a fantastic weekend for Salford Schools football teams and it’s great news to hear of the three wins across the different age categories.
I’d like to congratulate all the players on a truly special achievement and to the volunteers for their dedication to supporting our young people and grassroots football. For Salford to be represented and successful on a national scale is a proud moment for the city and a perfect example of the Spirit of Salford in action.”
John Peters, Chairman of Salford SFA said: “We’re blown away by the success over the weekend. For us to come away with three wins out of three in the finals’ matches was beyond our expectations. All the players and coaches fully deserve all the praise being heaped on them. We’re proud of all our individuals and teams across Salford SFA who represent the city each season, with a special mention for the U15 Girls, the first girls team we have ever had in our history. Well done to everyone involved.”