KES Academy U18’s Football Team Crowned County Champions

On Friday 12th May, King Edward VII Academy under 18’s football team won the county championships 3-2 in a brilliant final game against Wymondham College, at The Walks in front of a crowd of 126 spectators. 

The team’s victory makes them the third KES sports team this year to take home the championship cup, after the Under 16’s rugby team defeated Wymondham College 24-22 in March, and the Year 7 football team defeated Sprowston on penalties last week. 

After a positive start, KES began to take a foothold in the Cowes Cup final, resulting in KES taking a lead after 24 minutes of gameplay. A strong run from Charlie Royle led to the ball falling to Callum Howe who struck an unstoppable 30 yard thunderbolt into the top left hand corner of the goal. However, this did not dishearten Wymondham who forced KES into a defensive mistake giving them an equaliser after 31 minutes. 

KES responded well with Ben Issacson showing excellent energy down the right flank leading to Charlie Royle scoring a well worked goal 34 minutes in. Wymondham then pegged KES back from a well taken free kick 42 minutes. KES continued to probe and just before half time Captain Ethan Wilson scored the goal of the game from 40 yards, lobbing the Wymondham keeper with excellent precision. 

In the second half, KES increased the intensity and had chances of adding a fourth goal through Charlie Royle, Cain Gell and Tyler Reeve but a resolute Wymondham continued to keep KES at bay, preventing KES from increasing their lead. The final whistle at a score of 3-2, with KES Academy winning the Cowes Cup for the second year running. 

Principal of King Edward VII Academy, Sarah Hartshorn said:

“It has been a fantastic year of successes for our KES footballers, from Year 7 to Year 13, we are so proud of their achievements. All of their hard work, practice and dedication has paid off. A wonderful end to the seasons. Now we need to get the exams in the bag to add to their accolades! Well done all!”

Team Manager, Danny Gay said: 

"I think everyone here today could see how lucky we are at KES to work in partnership with Kings Lynn FC to help develop the next generation of players. We played some lovely football at times and two of those goals were worthy of any cup final. I’m proud of these boys who, for some, have been with KES for 7 years.”

Alex Cross, Director of Kings Lynn Academy added:

“An excellent way to finish what’s been an astonishing season. It’s been a really impressive year with the whole programme shining in the three leagues, national cup and finishing off with another county cup win. The whole KES & King’s Lynn Town FC Academy partnership is getting stronger every day and we are looking forward to seeing what season 23/24 brings. Thank you to all the players, parents, coaches, drivers, officials and teachers for all of their support.”