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On Tuesday 7th May 2024 history was created for Priory Academy as 13 boys took on one of the biggest games on the footballing calendar within school which was the English Schools Football Association National Cup Final. 

An incredible achievement from the year 11 students at Priory Academy to reach this stage in which only the prestigious and best make it to. 

The route to the final was not an easy one, having to beat lots of independent and private schools but is one to treasure. But the boys showed a sense of togetherness and fantastic mentality to win every game to the final including a semi final that nobody can forget coming from 4-2 down to win 6-4. The boys call it "that night at Creasey". 

The national cup final took place at Stoke City football club which for the boys and the school was a once in a lifetime opportunity in which they were treated like a professional footballing team like the ones you see on television. We faced a very well organised Moorland School limited, who were a private international football academy school. We knew we were underdogs in the fixture however the boys were determined to make the impossible, possible. 

The first half began and the boys realised what they were in for. Discipline in shape and quick breaks when attacking. Unfortunately we went 2-0 down however without the heroics of Oliver Thaker in goal saving a penalty it may have been 3-0. Nevertheless, the boys came in the changing room with something still to fight for but with Oliver Thaker being injured during the game we had to put Lyndon Moore in goal. Joe Cleaver who has scored in every single game on route to the final stepped into midfield to dominate the centre of the game and we began the second half. 

The second half was a completely different game and Priory Academy showed why they were in this final. They began to dominate the game, Preston Harper leading from the back with his calm and composed challenges, Michael Ibbot controlling the midfield and winning every duel and Leon Routh, well what can you say a class above others and a reason why he plays for Luton Town FC, leading from the front, out of his preferred position but majestic on the field, definitely a player to watch out for in the future. 

We clawed one back and Joe Cleaver slotted home the penalty and another huge accolade for him scoring in every single game for Priory Academy and in the ESFA cup. 

We unfortunately came up short 2-1 but as the ref and other team manager explained if there was another 5 mins this game would have gone to penalties or even a Priory win. But even though the result did not go our way the boys showed amazing character to not give up and hold their heads up high showcasing their quality. 

It's been a huge privilege for me to manage these group of boys over the course of the past 3 years and what I am even more proud of is seeing these boys mature into young articulate and confident young men. They have done Priory Academy extremely proud and have made many lasting memories that they can treasure. The atmosphere within school when the boys were shown live on YouTube was unbelievable and you would think it was the euros with students tuned in and celebrating every challenge and goal. We still celebrated the huge successes that the boys have made with a guard on 

This is not the last time that you will hear about some of the year 11s at Priory Academy as some of the players have secured scholarships at footballing academies. I wish them all the successes in the future and these yr11s have done myself and Priory Academy beyond proud. 

Thank you all for all your support throughout the tournament and to all the year 11 parents who came to Stoke City Football Club and Creasey Park to support the boys. We would never have made it without your help.