Hampton’s Second XI have been crowned English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) Champions in the U18 Cup for B teams following a stunning victory against Northampton School for Boys.
After an impressive campaign, that saw the team progress through six fiercely contested rounds involving teams from across the country, the squad travelled to the home of Stoke City Football Club for the prestigious final. The team were backed by a crowd of over 100 supporters—including Sixth Form Hamptonians, staff and parents—who made the journey to the Midlands, with many more tuning in back at School. Dressed in black and yellow, waving scarves and singing from the stands, the Hampton faithful created a truly electric atmosphere.
The Senior footballers made a blistering start to the final, playing with high-intensity and confidence, which led to four Hampton goals in the opening 25 minutes. Olly Spray opened the scoring with a spectacular header from Ben Wallace’s visionary cross. Savan Soni swept in goal number two with a clinical half-volley and Olly Spray added his second of the match, showing persistence to finish from a rebound. Fittingly, Captain Joe Murray rounded off an outstanding first half with a crisp volley into the top corner after Sam Moylan-Jones’ excellent delivery giving Hampton a 4-0 lead as the half time whistle blew.
The second half saw the Hamptonians play with skill, composure and plenty of team spirit, a highlight of which was midfielder Alex Ashton’s clinical finish to give the Hampton team a five-goal cushion. Alex was also awarded the ESFA Player of the Match trophy after a superb performance dominating midfield. It was a memorable victory, which saw the Second XI squad bring the trophy back to Hanworth Road. The ESFA Cup win tops off a phenomenal season for the team who have already won silverware in both the Elgin Trophy and the London Independent Schools’ Cup – a fantastic and unprecedented achievement from our senior footballers.
Team coach and Head of Politics, Mr Will Leafe, congratulated the team on their superb season:
Back to All ArticlesI can’t put into words how proud I feel. To be National Champions and win three trophies in a season is a rare achievement, but what I’m most proud of is how they have done it: they are the perfect example of the success which follows when a team is absolutely united in a culture of commitment, humility and belief. None of us will ever forget being part of this exceptional journey.
