Schoolboy International
Wembley Stadium – June 13 2009
The English Schools FA international fixture used to be one of the most eagerly awaited games in the youth football calendar until the FA Academies and Centres of Excellence took over a large part of the development of our young players in 1999. In their final international game, England’s Under 15 team silenced 67,000 German fans when they beat Germany 1-0 in Berlin’s Olympic Stadium in May 1998 – a fitting end to a tradition which had seen the ESFA proudly instil in their teams all the qualities needed for success in football: good behaviour, organisation, strength, passion and, most importantly, skill. This is football at the grass roots – where Michael Owen, Joe Cole, Jamie Redknapp and Andy Cole were some of the famous names who played their first international games as schoolboys. Sir Trevor Brooking was awarded his Schoolboy International Cap after his appearance against West Germany in 1964 and Kenny Sansom (1974), Clive Allen (1976), Andy Cole (1987) and Michael Branch and Jody Morris (1994) all played against the French schoolboys. England Schools’ record against France reads: Played: 15 Won: 6 Drawn: 4 Lost: 5, with 27 goals for and 18 goals against. An England versus France fixture at any level (in any sport!) has always held a fascination for football fans and this is a rivalry that is about to be renewed…
The Football Association sanctioned a renewal of the Schoolboy Internationals, with a match played at Wembley Stadium, between England Schools and Scotland in April 2008. The match was hugely successful, with a crowd of nearly 30,000 enjoying a fun filled day of great football and entertainment - it was a fitting way to restart this historic schoolboy fixture. In addition, this showcase game was preceded by a celebrity match, organised by Sir David Frost and a penalty competition for schools teams from throughout the country. Such was the success of the event that this year Setanta Sports are going to televise the game through their Sky satellite and Freeview platforms. Once again, this match against France will be a day to remember for football fans of any age and a chance to visit the home of English football; the amazing new Wembley Stadium. In short, a great family day out!