English Schools' Football Association

Everton's Phil Jagielka with Lord Derby Academy Students

Last season the Everton captain supported a PlayStation Schools’ Cup roadshow event; it proved so popular with the pupils that Phil Jagielka was once again willing to lend his support to the biggest schools’ football competition in the country. This time around it was Lord Derby Academy in Liverpool that benefited from the surprise visit.

Known to his teammates as Jags, the Everton and England defender kicked off the action with a Q&A within the school dance studio, packed with pupils who had their chance to put their question to the star guest. Among the answers, Phil named Luis Suarez as the most difficult opponent he has faced in his time at Everton.

As part of this showcase for grassroots football, Lord Derby Academy played Trust Ardwick School from Manchester in a specially arranged PlayStation Schools’ Cup Year 8 friendly fixture. Prior to kick-off both captains introduced their teammates to the friendly Jagielka. The Everton defender then jumped into the middle of the team photos, something that the Everton supporters amongst the teams will no doubt be hanging up in their rooms with pride. Phil Jagielka was clearly an inspirational figure to the home team as the game ended 3-1 to Lord Derby Academy.

Phil Jagielka was not the only well renowned face that the pupils were queuing up for a signature, with YouTuber AJ3 also making a special appearance. AJ3 put the Premier League player through a very fun challenge which is available to watch here! 

YouTuber AJ3 Takes on Jagielka in Call Out Penalties

Another name from the world of sport taking centre stage at Lord Derby Academy was the former 100m sprinter Jeanette Kwakye. Since hanging up her running shoes, Jeanette is now a presenter for the popular Sky Sports grassroots sport TV show Game Changers. Armed with the support of 10 pupils from Lord Derby Academy, Jeanette and the young footballers put Jagielka through a series of footballing questions, tricks and tip challenges.

Jeanette Kwakye's interview for Sky Sports Game Changers featured Lord Derby students as well as Jagielka

Lord Derby Academy’s Sports Hall was converted into a PS4 gaming zone for the day, marking the perfect reward for pupils doing well in class. Pupil James Wilson was picked by the school to get the chance of a lifetime when he had a match against Jagielka on the popular FIFA 17 game.

We would like to say a big thank you to Phil Jagielka for being such a great inspiration for grassroots football. Our appreciation also extends to Lord Derby Academy for hosting a first class ESFA PlayStation Schools’ Cup event.