Southampton Schools FA’s Under-14 boys are one game away from the ESFA Champions Cup final.
The team will face Rotherham in a high-stakes semi-final on Saturday, February 28.
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Front row L-R: Ollie Griffiths (GK), Lincoln Davies, Charlie Mayhew (Captain), Ryley Chance, Tiamo Texeira, Alex Majorah. Back row L-R: Preston Hills, Tommy Hammond, Archie Byres, Dylan Okoth (GK), Hayden Swain, Ethan Jeffery, Jay Cooper, Reece Nutburn, Alfie Williams. Not Pictured: Jake Bulman. (Image: d)
Peter Hadfield, who has been involved with SSFA for 29 years, said: “The SSFA are extremely proud of the team for winning the plate in the 2024/25 season and for their progress this season in the cup.
“These boys are trying to make history and become the first Southampton Schoolboys team to be National Champions.
“They have already made two finals, The Wright Cup final and the Testway U15 League Cup final (after dominating in the league while playing a year up), but they want to make it a third and become ESFA National Champions.”
The Southampton squad, made up of talented players from across the city’s grassroots teams, has already made an impression by reaching the Wright Cup and the Testway U15 League Cup finals.
Coach Rossi Hammond said: “Huge congratulations to the boys on reaching the National Cup semi-final.
“Since I’ve been part of this team, the boys have been amazing.
“The commitment shown, the standards set in training, and the way they have represented themselves on and off the pitch has been outstanding.
“Getting to a national cup semi-final is no accident — it’s the result of hard work, discipline, and real togetherness.
“The team has played with courage, belief, and pride in the badge, and every single one of them has contributed to this journey.”
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The side will play Rotherham on February 28. (Image: Cornerstone)
Coach Jason Insch singled out star striker Tommy Hammond for special praise after reaching a stunning goal tally.
Mr Insch said: “He has shown incredible maturity and has been an absolute delight to have both on and off the pitch, week in, week out.
“It comes as no surprise to me that this lad has scored 100 goals this season — he is an absolute machine.
“Take a bow, Mr. Tommy Hammond. So incredibly proud of you and your magnificent 100 goals this season.”