Shrewsbury School crowned ESFA U18 National Champions

Shrewsbury School’s 1^st XI Boys’ football team has been crowned National Champions in the English Schools Football Association (ESFA) U18 National Schools’ Trophy.  

In the team’s second consecutive ESFA Final, the boys won 3-0 in an exhilarating match against Samuel Whitbread Academy at Stoke City’s Bet 365 Stadium on Tuesday. The 2023/24 ESFA tournament enabled a total of 374 state and independent schools the opportunity to compete for the national trophy. 

In front of a large crowd of supporting pupils and staff, playing in the national schools' version of the FA Cup, the 1^st XI played some incredible football with goals coming from Captain Oscar C (O, UVI), striker Louis C (I, UVI) and centre-midfield player and Man of the Match, Lou K (SH, LVI).  

This was the first time that Shrewsbury had gone up against the Bedford-based team, and both were looking to hit their best form, resulting in a thrilling encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. 

The match kicked off with high intensity as both teams looked to gain an early advantage. Samuel Whitbread were dominant in possession but Shrewsbury’s defence was resilient and the boys soon settled into the rhythm of the game. Shrewsbury deservedly took the lead after 20 minutes with some great interplay between Harrison V (O, V) and Louis C with Louis feeding a fantastic through-ball to Lou K who calmly slotted past the onrushing keeper. 

This led to a positive spell for Shrewsbury as they looked to build upon their lead. On the stroke of halftime, a great show of strength from Isaac E (Rt, V) saw him win the ball back deep in Samuel Whitbread territory, move the ball wide to Harrison V who then committed the centre back and play in Captain Oscar C who finished low to the keeper’s left.  

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first with Samuel Whitbread looking to get themselves back into the game. Some resolute defending and brilliant saves from keeper Will J (Rt, UVI) kept Shrewsbury ahead and looking good value for their 2-0 lead. With less than 10 minutes left in the game, Taylor B (R, LVI) dispossessed a Samuel Whitbread midfielder with the ball landing at the feet of Jack H (O, UVI) who cleverly fed Louis C who delivered a thunderous left-foot strike from outside the box leaving the keeper with no chance. 

All credit to Samuel Whitbread who pushed to the end forcing Will J into some crucial saves but it was Shrewsbury’s day as they left the Bet365 Stadium as National Champions.  

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Headmaster Leo Winkley commented: “The achievement of our pupils and their coaches in winning this national trophy is truly exceptional. It will live long in our memories and stand proud in the school’s long sporting history. 

“Over 600 pupils, staff and friends of the school travelled to support the crowning performance of a truly great squad of players. It was a total performance; the result of months - if not years - of great teamwork, commitment in training, respect and sportsmanship.” 

1^st XI Captain Oscar added: “The final couldn’t have been much better for us; we scored three unreal goals and I was lucky to be able to score – it was probably the best feeling of my life. 

“The performance at the Final was the highlight of the whole ESFA journey. Reaching two ESFA Finals in two years will be a lifetime memory for not just me, but for most of the others in the team too. I’ll be able to look back on it as one of the best achievements in my life so far.” 

Director of Football Steve Wilderspin said: “We are hugely proud that the boys have this incredible accolade to show for their hard work and commitment throughout the season.  

“They’ve turned up every day and bought into what the squad ethos and culture was, and for them to go and execute the game plan as well as they did was hugely satisfying.” 

This accolade follows the 1st XI success in the ISFA Sixes Nationals’. Many of the team are also in the cricket squad that won the national title in September 2023. 

Shrewsbury School, which is in the top 1% of all schools in the UK for sport, as listed in School Sport Magazine, has had an extremely successful sporting year with achievements including being National Cricket Champions for the second consecutive year, celebrating Shrewsbury’s first ever female World Championship rowers and seeing a number of pupils go on to receive sporting scholarships to some of the best US Universities.   

The team has received incredible support from the Salopian community throughout their ESFA cup run - pictured with the cup is our School shop staff, some of the team's biggest supporters!