A total of 15 boys’ and girls’ national schools’ football finals will be contested across the three days of May 16 – 18 in U12-U15 categories, in what is the biggest and most prestigious collection of secondary school football tournaments in England.
Just a couple of days after the SSE WFA Cup Final, the next generation will also have their big game experience as they warm up in Reading FC’s £1million indoor training facility before changing in either the home or away dressing room and making their way onto the Madejski Stadium pitch.
With tickets free for all attendees, the Festival has become a popular day out for supporters and school friends with over 6,000 spectators attending last year’s finals. As well as watching a feast of schools’ football, a series of spectator competitions and activities will contribute to the carnival atmosphere. The volume will hopefully be cranked up even louder this year with a decibel meter measuring the noisiest supporters each day, and schools being challenged to think of the most original chant for their team.
PlayStation UK Marketing Director Richard Keen commented: “We’re delighted to return to Reading Football Club for the 2016 PlayStation Schools’ Cup Festival. For the competing players and their travelling support, the trip to The Madejski Stadium will be their equivalent of a Wembley final. It is great to give so many pupils the chance to represent their school in a national tournament that has taken them from playing on their school pitch to competing in a 24,000 capacity stadium.”
ESFA Chairman Mike Spinks added: “It’s hard to believe another football season is coming to an end, and we are once again incredibly grateful to PlayStation for their third year of supporting grassroots football. Reading Football Club has been the perfect host for the past two years and we’re delighted that these future stars are able to enjoy their big occasion in such an impressive stadium.”
