WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS!

South Essex College Group Football Academy win the national league.

The Football Academy at South Essex College Group in partnership with West Ham United Foundation, have won The National League U19 Alliance Division A. 

Under the leadership of Steve Tilson, Head of the Football Academy at South Essex College Group, the team has only lost one game this season. Along the way, academy player, Taylor Ansell-Quinton won the Golden Boot with 28 goals in 17 matches.

The college’s West Ham United Foundation side play in the National League U19 Alliance which is the highest level outside of the professional academy pyramid so the standard and calibre of players is high.

Southend City College principal, Nicki Kelly said: “This is a fantastic achievement from the Football Academy Boys, of which I am immensely proud. The Academy’s success is not just down to the players but also due to the coaches and trainers who have put in so much effort to ensure the team’s victory.”

The league has been very strong this year with a real battle at the top of the table, with a last-minute goal sealing the league title. To win this division is a real credit to all the players and staff.
Senior Programme Manager at West Ham United Foundation, Sam Taylor, said: ”It’s really great to see that all the hard work Steve and his team have done has paid off on the pitch with WHU foundation South Essex winning this year’s National Youth Alliance League. We are really happy with the partnership and look forward to what year two will bring."

The Football Academy has over 70 boys currently studying a variety of sport qualifications while playing football at the college. The remainder of the boys compete in the Essex Schools and Cup U19 League.