Following the hugely successful 2015/16 Schools' Football season, the English Schools' FA (ESFA) are ready to kick off the new season once again with their U18 Schoolboys. The U18 Schoolboys play their final home fixture as defending champions of the Inspiresport Centenary shield, the primary home nations’ international cup for their age group, on Friday 21st April at The Memorial Stadium (Bristol Rovers FC) against Wales. 

This final fixture could be the deciding game in the Centenary Shield, with last season’s competition having also gone to the wire. What we know for sure is that the atmosphere will be fantastic as the England Schoolboys will do their best to represent their Country on the pitch, following in the footsteps of former ESFA players like Manchester United’s Chris Smalling and two of Bristol Rover’s own players; Will Puddy and Chris Lines.

The ESFA have announced changes off the pitch, appointing new staff to join its International Management Team. U18 Manager Ben Lavelle has created a ‘new look’ team with Assistant Manager Richy Anderson, goalkeeping coach Matt George and physiotherapist Tony Harris all joining the team in the hope of retaining the Centenary Shield.

We would love you to come out and support your Country at The Memorial Stadium on 21st April (7.00PM Kick Off). For further information about the game or to book tickets please visit the BRFC website or contact the ESFA on 01785 785970. Tickets will be competitively priced at £6 Adults (Seating), £5 Adults (Standing) and £3 Children/Students can be purchased in advance or on the night of the match.

There will also be group ticket offers available for larger families, schools, youth clubs or junior teams wanting to attend and cheer on the three lions starting at £30 for 1 adults and up to 10 children or if you would prefer an executive box, hospitality or VIP package then please get in touch as these are selling fast!

These International squads are made up, simply, of the best Schools' Football players in England. Players must already represent their County and be nominated by their local County Schools' FA based on their skills and talent. All players then face the trials process in order to make it through to the England squad. It is an honour for these pupils to represent their Country at this level and furthermore, a privilege for the ESFA to reward, for choosing to remain in mainstream education whilst playing football as opposed to opting to join an academy. The ESFA's values are firmly rooted in an educational approach to football and this is a great way to celebrate those players that have made the decision to ensure they have a solid foundation of qualifications to support them, wherever their football career may take them.