St Joseph’s College is celebrating a momentous achievement as its U16 boys’ football team clinched the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) National Cup for a second consecutive year.
In a dramatic final against Downsend School, held at Stoke City’s stadium on Wednesday 7 May the score was tied 2-2 at the final whistle. The match proceeded to a penalty shootout, and the St Jo’s team triumphed in sudden death penalties 6-5; showcasing extraordinary composure, grit and unity on the national stage.
This remarkable feat sees St Joseph’s proudly retain the prestigious ESFA trophy, having won last year’s final at West Bromwich Albion’s ground. Principal of the College, Mrs Danielle Clarke noted, ‘Our players truly embodied the College motto Fides, Labore et Tenacitate – faith, hard work, and tenacity. This is the highest accolade and achievement in English schoolboy football and as such we are mighty proud of every player in this team, coach, Mr Louis Henman-Mason, and our Director of Football, Mr Cole Skuse.’
‘To reach a national final is a significant accomplishment; to do so in consecutive years speaks volumes about the character and calibre of our players, staff, and football programme,’ said Fred Wenham, St Joseph’s Director of Sport. ‘The occasion was not just about the game of football, but the culmination of years of hard work for our staff and students and a showcase of the very best of the community that we are so proud to foster at St Joseph’s College. Since the sport was introduced just five years ago, this trophy joins the list of six national titles across the girls’ and boys’ game, alongside an ever-growing list of professional contracts and success stories. Led by a magnificently dynamic and experienced coaching team, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a thriving football programme at the College which has got us to this stage in our journey, but this is very much just the start.’
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