The 2024/25 season will be remembered as one of the most successful and trophy-laden campaigns in the proud history of the Rotherham Schools Select Football Association.
With 19 boys’ and girls’ teams representing the district, this season has been a true showcase of the talent, dedication, and passion that runs deep within grassroots football across the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough.
Affiliated with both the English Schools Football Association and the Sheffield and Hallamshire District, Rotherham Schools Select has long been a beacon for youth development.
But this season has seen their commitment to excellence reach new heights, delivering silverware across multiple age groups and leagues. Before this season the association only had 4 trophies to its name, currently this season has produced 12 trophies with one National Final still to come!!
The U14s age group were right at the top of the treee, sweeping to a Yorkshire Federation League and Cup double in a season they were unbeaten domestically, and adding the North Derbyshire Youth Football League Division 1 title to cap off a near-perfect campaign.
Their achievements were matched in significance by the U13s 1st, who clinched the Yorkshire Federation League title in unbelievable fashion unprecedentedly winning every single league game with a record of played 11, won 11, scored 65, conceded 3! They narrowly missed out on the Cup, finishing as runners-up. Maybe their most impressive feat is being first team from Rotherham Schools FA to ever reach a National Final! They represent our town in this National Final on 14th June, a game which is live on YouTube with commentary, link to be posted closer to the time!
Our U12’s also provided a double winning both the Yorkshire Federation League and Cup campaigns. Whilst the U12’s Development team won the North Derbyshire Youth Football League Division 1 title.
The girls’ programme really flourished this year, with the U13s girls claiming the Yorkshire Federation League Cup, and the U11s girls being crowned league champions in their age group while also finishing runners up in the Cup – an impressive double achievement highlighting the growing strength of the female game in the district.
Perhaps one of the most inspiring stories came from the U11s, who not only finished as runners-up in both league and cup competitions at their own age group but the Development team showed their class and courage by winning the U12 League Cup in the North Derbyshire Youth Football League – while playing a year up.
Success wasn’t limited to the older age groups either. The U9s capped their campaign in style by lifting the North Derbyshire Youth Football League Invitational Cup, providing a glimpse into a bright future for the association.
Reflecting on a season of milestones and memories, Chairman Aaron Boyd said: “This season has been a testament to the strength of our programme, the dedication of our coaches, and above all, the talent and attitude of our players.
We’ve not only delivered results on the pitch but also created an environment where young footballers from across Rotherham can thrive and express themselves.
This is what Rotherham Schools Select is all about.”
With a trophy cabinet overflowing and the next generation coming through strong, the 2024/25 campaign will live long in the memory as the season Rotherham Schools Select truly set the standard for district football across the region.
