An East Lancashire district football team have scored success by reaching the semi-final of the English Schools Football Association's National Cup this weekend.

The Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Boys Under 14s are lacing up their boots ready to tackle their rivals, Manchester, in an exciting match at Clitheroe Football Club today (Saturday March 16).

The team has defied the odds of overcoming established opponents from across the nation such as Knowsley and St. Helen’s, Middlesbrough, Leeds and Stockport.

For many of these young athletes, competing at this level signifies the highest point they have reached in their footballing journeys to date.

Should they emerge victorious in the semi-final and advance to the final, they will etch their names in history as the first team from Lancashire to do so since Preston in 1936, a testament to their skill, teamwork, and dedication.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Their achievements signal the rise of district-level football in Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley, made possible by the support and guidance of local teachers Adam Hutchinson (Chairman) from Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, David Allen at St. Christopher's C of E High School and Andy Kelly at St. Augustine's, Billington.

The teams have benefitted from the generosity of organisations such as Clitheroe Wolves, Network Plus and John Haworth and Best Destinations.

As the teams continue to go from strength to strength, they are actively seeking support from local businesses through sponsorship to ensure the sustainability of the district’s future. 

If you’d like to support the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Boys Under 14s Football Team at the match, fans are invited to join the teams at The Eco Giants Stadium, Shawbridge, Clitheroe, for a 2pm kick off.

Fans are encouraged to cheer on top goalscorer Daniel Juriansz, Archie Lorimer of the Wales national schoolboys team, captain Andrew Allen.

Entry is free of charge and all are welcome.