ESFA events are all set for kick-off

SCHOOLS FOOTBALL

THE Newcastle Schools’ Under-11 ESFA competitions get under way this week.

There are two ESFA tournaments and they will both lead to national finals.

One is for boys’/mixed teams and the other is for girls only.

As a result of so many teams entering again this season, schools have been separated into qualifying groups.

Tuesday sees the first qualifying groups of the boys’/ mixed competition at Gosforth Academy (4.00).

The other groups will play on Thursday, September 28 at Walbottle Campus (4.00).

The winners from each group will qualify for the finals night on Friday, October 13 at Benfield School (3.30).

The winners there will represent Newcastle at the County Finals on Thursday, October 19 at Newcastle University.

Gosforth Central have been the champions for the past two seasons and will be one of the favourites again this year.

The girls’ competition kicks off on Wednesday at Walbottle Campus, the action getting under way at 4.00.

The next round of games will be on Tuesday, September 26 at Gosforth Academy (4.00).

The winners of each group will qualify for the finals night on Friday, October 6 at Benfield School (3.30).

The winners will represent the city at the County Finals on Tuesday, October 17 at Newcastle University.

St Teresa’s have been champions for the past two years and have another strong team this season. ■■THE last of the Newcastle Under-11s Girls’ trials are being held on Monday at Kenton School (4.30). ■■ALL the local associations are in the process of selecting their squads for the forthcoming season and the Tyne and Wear Leagues will start shortly.

Newcastle had great success in them last year and they are hoping for further glory this season. ■■NEW Hartley bounced back to form in the Durham County Under-18 League with a 3-1 victory against Darlington.

Owen Seed, Ryan Hucks (a penalty) and substitute Connor Walker netted for the Northumberland outfit.