The Final of the Sussex W J Jewell Trophy (Under-12s) is due to take place on Sunday 20 March 2022 between Patcham United and Horsham. 

Patcham United vs. Horsham
Sussex W J Jewell Trophy Final (Under-12s)
Date: Sunday 20 March 2022
Kick-off: 2:30pm
Venue: Sussex County FA, Culver Road, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 9AX

It’s a big day for these two teams on Sunday, in their first year of competitive football, playing their first County Cup Final as Patcham United of the Sussex Sunday Youth League (SSYL), face Horsham of the Mid Sussex Youth Football League (MSYFL). 

Both Patcham, and Horsham, are competing well at the top of their respective leagues and in their first year of competitive football, reaching a final is an exciting moment for Patcham manager, Nick Graham.

“We're looking forward to it and obviously slightly nervous! It's the first one for the boys  but they're of course, very excited for the occasion.

“I'm very pleased for the boys, they've worked very hard. They've only been together a couple of years so it's nice for them to get this reward.

“It'll be a nice day for them, whatever the result, it'll be a nice experience. I was really pleased for them to get to the final so they can experience this.

“We're doing fairly well this year, but we've had a considerable amount of cup games, so we have games in hand. If we get results in those we'll be up there.”

Nick knows his opponents well gives us an insight into his side’s chances on the day.

“I know a fair bit about Horsham, know Jamie and Carl well. We've met them in tournaments, and it's been fairly equal, but they're a strong team and we need to be on top form to get a result.

“I think the boys will be up for the challenge - we're both footballing sides so the pitch will suit us both and should make for a good final.

“It's just another match for us and all season we treat it like that. Results didn't go our way at the start of the season losing two out the first three but since then we've gone game by game and it's got us back in contention.” 

Similarly, for Horsham manager, Jamie Irving, he can’t speak highly enough of Patcham and can’t wait for the final.

“We're really excited actually and I'm really looking forward to it - last time we met Patcham, it was a really tight game so it should be an interesting one.

“It's a massive achievement for the boys, the coaching team and the club itself. The atmosphere around the place for reaching the final has been immense. 

“We've come across Patcham in tournaments and pre-season, they have a fantastic ethos and the coaches, Nick and Andy, are superb. On and off the pitch they are nice guys and they're all about developing children. 

“We respect them and don't underestimate them, we know it's going to be a tight one, they're a strong side but we'll give it our best.”

In terms of Horsham’s chances and what Jamie will say to the boys on the day, he believes their run to the final prepares them well. 

“We had a very tough run in this competition against some strong sides and I think the score-lines reflect that in the games.

“A lot of our boys haven't featured in cup finals so there might be a few nerves! But we also have boys that have featured in cup finals so in terms of the day it's 50/50. 

“I'll be telling them to use that nervous energy to try and be positive, don't change the way we play. Before the game we just want to settle them and after five or ten minutes we hope the way we like to play will kick in.”

Jamie speaks with pride on his journey with Horsham so far and thinks the pathway at Horsham is great motivation for players.

“Our first competitive season now and we're in a very tight league where anyone can win it from about sixth up to first place. The boys are loving it and to get to the County Cup Final in our first competitive season is well above expectations. 

“I took the boys to the Horsham-Brighton game in the Senior Cup to let them see the environment but also give them that inspiration that the pathway is there - despite it being a school night!”

Entry prices for the final are as follows (cash and card accepted):

£4.00 Adult (17+) 
£2.00 Concession (65+ and students with valid student ID card) 
FREE Child (16 and under) 
£1.50 Official Match Day Programme

For further details about the Sussex W J Jewell Cup (Under-12s) please contact Competitions: 

Competitions
T: 01903 753547
E: Competitions@SussexFA.com