Fantastic Football Fives: Under 12 Indoor 5-a-sides National Final Success

Thursday 09 March 2017By ESFA Office

Last Updated:
10/02/2021 10:50:00

ESFA U12 National Finals kick off the 2017 ESFA National Finals 2017

Our two ESFA ‘Impact Trophies’ Under 12 Indoor 5-a-side Competitions were concluded in a nail biting fashion on Monday 6th March, as both of the Boys’ & Girls’ respective National Finals were held at PlayFootball Birmingham for the first time. In the Boys’ Competition, Thomas Telford School (Telford & Wrekin SFA) triumphed in the final, beating Poynton High School 4-0, whilst in the Girls’ Competition; Gordano School (North Somerset SFA) beat Thomas Telford School 4-3 after extra time.

The event was the culmination of many months of hard work from all parties, of which special mention goes to the 16 finalists who had successfully navigated both of their respective District Rounds and Area Finals to qualify for the National Final. This is an outstanding achievement when you consider that at the start of the tournament, there were approximately 900 entries in the Boys’ competition and 600 in the Girls’ tournament.

Each of our teams had travelled across the length and breadth of the country to compete in this prestigious event and so, once they had arrived and been registered by the ESFA staff on duty, they were given the opportunity to explore the excellent facilities and have a good old kick- about with their team mates before the competitive football commenced at midday.

Prior to the tournament, the national finalists had been divided into two groups of four, wherein the top two teams progressed to the National Semi-Finals and the third and fourth placed teams competed in a Plate Tournament – a structure that is similar to the League and Knockout format operated by UEFA in the Champions’ League.

There was a lot of excellent football played in the tournament and each team deserves to be commended for the way they conducted themselves on the day, both on and off the pitch. However there were a few notable results, worthy of a quick mention. In particular, Churchill Community School (North Tyneside SFA) defeated the holders of multiple ESFA Competitions, Thomas Telford School 1-0 in the first Boys’ group game and Licensed Victuallers School from East Berkshire SFA whilst en route to winning the Boys’ plate competition chose to voluntarily withdraw one of their players in a show of outstanding sportsmanship following an injury to one of Le Rocquier’s players. As a consequence, they will receive an ESFA Fair Play award in recognition of their exemplary conduct.

National Champions 2017! Gordano School from Somerset

Concurrently, in the Girls’ tournament, Gordano School overcame Thomas Telford School in dramatic fashion, having staged a second half comeback in the National Final – successfully recovering from being 3-0 down to make it 3-3 at the end of the second half, thereby taking the game into Extra Time. Gordano School then scored the winning goal courtesy of an excellent first time finish that just grazed the crossbar on its way in. Not to be outdone, however, Thomas Telford School had earlier put in a mature performance to beat Poynton High School (Macclesfield & District SFA) 4-0 in the Boys’ Final.

National Champions 2017! Thomas Telford School from Telford

Following the conclusion of the finals, the ESFA held a closing ceremony, wherein all of the national finalists were presented with commemorative shields and medals to recognise the fact that they were all Area Champions in front of their proud family and friends. Additionally, Licensed Victuallers School (East Berkshire SFA), Thomas Telford School (Telford & Wrekin SFA), St. Mary’s Catholic College (Newcastle Upon Tyne SFA) and Gordano School (North Somerset SFA) were presented with additional trophies as the Plate or National Final winners respectively. All of the results from the day's matches are available to view on our website.

Overall, it was a fantastic event that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved. The ESFA would like to place on record their thanks to all of the parties that had come together to make this event possible.In particular, special thanks goes to the staff at PlayFootball Birmingham, who provided the venue and of course to Impact Trophies who have sponsored this competition for the last two years.

Photography supplied by353 Photo - visit their website for more details

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