By EitC

Everton Football College is celebrating after being crowned World champions at the World School Games in Barcelona.

 

The tournament, which took place last weekend, brought together  schools & colleges from around over the globe in a celebration of youth football played out over the two days.

 

Despite the gruelling programme, Everton managed to win all their group games, scoring 23 and only conceding one goal, which deservedly earned them a place in the final against the Catalan-based Nastic Soccer Academy.

 

And after a tense final, the Everton Football College students came out 2-0 winners to bring the trophy back to Merseyside.

 

John Keegan, Head of Football at the College, said: “It is an amazing achievement by our players to become World Champions and win our first international competition as a college. 

 

“I told the boys before the tournament that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity to make a piece of history for the College and the Football Club. 

 

“The professionalism of the players and staff, on and off the pitch, during the tournament was outstanding and very much the driving force behind our success. 

 

“It was also amazing to for us all to receive a message of support from Everton CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale and first team manager Frank Lampard before the final, telling the boys how proud the club was of them and to make sure we brought the trophy home.

 

Everton’s 16-strong squad comprised of first year boys, who have been with the College for less than three months.

Everton World Championships squad.jpeg

“Massive credit should be given to all our coaches, who have prepared the boys unbelievably well on the training pitch since the boys started with us in pre-season,” added Keegan.

 

“Hopefully, this trophy will be the first of many trophies for us this season, and is another to add to our growing list of trophies and achievements.”

 

The World Champions will parade their trophy on the pitch at Goodison at half time during the Premier League game against Leicester City on Saturday, November 5. 

 

If your child is in Year 11 and wants to know more about joining Everton Football College in 2023, or to learn more about the education and football programme, please email Information@evertonfootballcollege.com.