VICTORIA College Prep are through to the English Schools Football Association National Finals following a wonderful team effort in Bristol at the weekend.
VCP came through their group, before beating English school Shinfield St Mary’s in the final to progress to their sixth ESFA finals week in nine years.
Coach and head of PE, Ben Silva, said: “I’m absolutely delighted for the boys.
“They have put in a lot of work, both physically and technically and it really showed in this competition.”
Having won the Channel Island competition to get through to face the champion schools from counties in the South West region, VCP knew they would face some tough opposition with many academy players from teams like Bristol City and Southampton.
“In these tournaments, there are always some gifted academy players from top clubs.
“They can always produce moments of individual brilliance, but I was so impressed with our boys’ resilience.”
In VCP’s first match they faced Bickleigh Down and endured a dreadful start, conceding a goal in the first ten seconds.
Captain and goalkeeper, Owen Wills, made some fine saves to keep the score 1-0 at the break.
After the interval, VCP came out with a determined attitude and turned the match on its head, with goals from marauding defender Harvey Ingram and the eventual winner from the hardworking Ethan Griffiths.
Awaiting in game two were the Hampshire champions, St Patrick School. Although they were physically intimidating, VCP scored through the skilful winger, Oscar Mountford.
It looked like a second goal was only a matter of time, but unfortunately St. Patrick’s scored an equalizer with the last kick of the game.
Covingham Park school were the third opponents and the boys played with composure and confidence to secured another victory, with the winner coming courtesy of speedy forward Jonty Porter.
This meant that Silva’s side had qualified for the final with a match to spare.
It soon became apparent that VCP’s team’s excellent fitness levels were going to prove a key factor as Shinfield struggled to cope with the high press.
The midfield partnership of Nate Opio and Taylor Nelson completely dominated the middle of the park throughout, while Joe Fox was also a commanding presence at the back.
Numerous chances followed for the Islanders, but it was Oscar Mountford again who scored a screamer into the top corner as half time loomed.
This knocked the wind out of the sails of the Shinfield team and VCP comfortably saw out the match to pick up a truly memorable victory.
“The boys stuck together superbly to overcome adversity and that team spirit shone through.
“They were a massive credit to themselves and the school.
“Now they have a chance to play on a Premier League ground if they reach the grand final and create a memory the will treasure forever.”
VCP, under Silva’s leadership, have now reached the National Finals stage six times in the last nine years, winning it twice. A staggering achievement, considering no other school in the country has even reached the final twice.
Silva said: “Our boys know they are following in the footsteps of some outstanding VCP teams who have done extremely well in this competition.
“They were able to emulate those fine performances of teams previous and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
The Prep side will be heading back to the UK in May for the ESFA national finals, where they will compete to try and be crowned national school champions for a historic third time.
VCP Squad: Owen Wills (c) (GK), Jonty Porter, Joe Fox, Taylor Nelson, Oscar Mountford, Nate Opio, Ethan Griffiths, Harvey Ingram
