Staffordshire attempt to break through the Sussex defence

Football stars county's first to reach national finals

Young football stars have become the first from the county to play in the finals of a national FA tournament.

The Staffordshire Schools team took-on defending champions Sussex in the final of the England Schools FA (ESFA) Under-18s competition at Birmingham City's St Andrews ground. Sussex won 3-0.

Robert Simpson, the county council's Deputy Leader said: "I'd like to congratulate the team on making the final. I am sure it was a great experience even if the final result went against them.

"We encourage all young people to be active and engage in sport, whether it at a competitive level or for fun and exercise. The team are sporting ambassadors for the county and I am sure their success in reaching the final will encourage others. I would also like to congratulate the coaching staff and management from Staffordshire's school for their efforts in support the team's success."

Mark Culverhouse, joint team manager and a PE teacher at Walton High School, Stafford, said: "The team did exceptionally to reach this stage. They are a close knit team and many have played together throughout the various age categories."

"We knew it would be an extremely tough game against Sussex. They had a very convincing semi-final win and were the defending champions who traditionally do very well in the competition."

Page Last Modified: 15/05/2008 12:58:31

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