Two children’s football teams have had a great season winning national cups.

Last week, the Brighton boys U13s team – made up of boys from schools across Brighton - won the English Schools Football Association’s (ESFA) National Cup for their age category.

The final was played at the bet 365 stadium in Stoke, where Championship team Stoke City plays.

The boys played against Leeds Schools U13 boys team.

Finley Cooper, 13, is the team’s captain.

He said: “On the day of the game we were quite relaxed, but getting into the changing rooms was a bit of a nervy feeling.

“We started slow but managed to go 1 nil up.

“After Leeds equalised it seemed it was going to be a big challenge.”

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The team was made up of Isaac Omoyinmi, George Bellucci, Finley Cooper, Alex Obeng, Hendrix Hoban, Eddie Bush, Ethan Hayes, Dylan Coombs, Sam Hardwick, Freddie Kokot, Roman Blosse, Leyton Eyre, Noah Baker, Callum Loughlin, Harry Bryant and Joshi Brown.

They had a pep talk at half time which Finley said helped the team get back out and win.

“Stepping out for the second half we came out as a team we knew we are scoring five goals,” said Finley.

“After a great second half we got to lift the trophy after a deserved win.” 

The U11 girls have also had a great season, said Jo Omoyinmi, mum to Isaac from the under 13s team.

They also won the ESFA National Cup again played in Stoke. 

The girls won after a nerve-wracking penalty shoot out against Bootle.