Knowsley St Helens Schools’ Football Association is celebrating after its Under 12s and Under 13s boys’ teams both secured a place in the 2026 English Schools’ Football Association National Cup Finals.
The achievement adds to a period of notable success for the Association, which has also enjoyed recent national title success in girls’ football, underlining the strength of representative football across Knowsley and St Helens.
For Knowsley, this achievement carries particular significance as this is the first time a Knowsley side has taken part in a national final since the famous Huyton Boys’ School team of 1971. That team, which went onto win the cup, included future Everton and England player Peter Reid and was managed by award-winning playwright and screen writer Alan Bleasdale.
This year’s finals will take place at the home of Stoke City FC on Monday 4 May, with the Under 12 final kicking off at 1.30pm and the Under 13 final scheduled for 3.30pm.
The Association is encouraging the local community to get behind the teams and help create a memorable occasion. Tickets can be provided free of charge, and supporters are warmly encouraged to attend. Limited coach travel is also available for spectators and can be booked in advance. To reserve tickets or enquire about travel, please email info@ksh-sfa.co.uk or visit https://www.ksh-sfa.co.uk/.
From its roots in Kirkby during the 1960s to its present-day structure, Knowsley St Helens Schools’ Football Association has remained committed to creating opportunity, aspiration and pride for young people through football. Despite operating with a comparatively small player pool, its teams continue to compete successfully against much larger districts from across England and Wales.
This season’s success reflects not only the quality of the players, but the strength of the wider football community that supports them. Dedicated volunteer coaches, committed parents and strong local partnerships have all played a vital role.
Chair of Knowsley St Helens Schools’ Football Association, Tony James, who also serves as Chair of the English Schools’ Football Association, said: “To have two Knowsley St Helens boys’ teams in national finals in the same year is exceptional, particularly given the size of our Association. This is about far more than football. It is about opportunity, aspiration and pride. Our players have represented their schools and communities with distinction, supported by dedicated volunteer coaches, committed parents and strong local partnerships, including the ongoing support of Liverpool FC and our sponsors, especially Next Energy. They all deserve enormous credit for what has been achieved. As Chair of Knowsley St Helens Schools’ Football Association, and of the English Schools’ Football Association, this is a moment of real significance for our Association and our communities.”
Anthony Daly, Executive Manager of Boys’ Football for Knowsley St Helens Schools’ Football Association, said: “To see both our Under 12 and Under 13 teams reach the English Schools’ National Cup Finals is a truly historic achievement for Knowsley St Helens Schools’ Football Association. It reflects the dedication of our players, coaches and volunteers, and the strength of schools’ football across our Association. The boys have represented their schools and communities with real pride throughout.”
Matti Wardell and Josh Green, managers of the Under 12 side, said: “This cup run has been built on consistency, belief and real togetherness. The players have shown outstanding character throughout, particularly in the semi-final away at Medway in Kent, where they held their nerve to win on penalties. They have earned this opportunity and we are excited for what will be a memorable final for the whole squad.”
Anthony Daly, who also manages the Under 13 side, and Neil Ashton added: “Leading this group has been a privilege. From the first game, the players have shown commitment, character and togetherness in every round. They have worked incredibly hard for this opportunity and fully deserve their place in the national final.”