Bishop Burton College Football Academy reaches first national cup final

Picture by Debbie Gould

Bishop Burton College’s Football Academy has reached the national colleges cup the final for the first time.

Two years after winning the English Colleges Football Association (ECFA) Premier League, it has now secured its place in the final of the ECFA Premier National Cup.

The team, which is made up of first, second, and third year students at the college, secured their place in the final with wins over Gateshead College, Tyne Met College, York College and Bridgwater College.  

Bishop Burton will now play South Devon College later this month in the final at the Keepmoat Stadium in Doncaster, the home of Doncaster Rovers.   

The college’s football programme has been competing nationally for several years, with a number of the footballers playing semi-professionally. 

Football Academy students also benefit from the presence of Hull City, who use the college campus facilities.

James Bennett, Director of Football at Bishop Burton, said: “I’m extremely proud of how the college football programme continues to grow and develop, and reaching national finals is a key part of this.

“To once again be among the top colleges in the country by reaching the final of the ECFA Premier Cup is a fantastic achievement by all of the players and staff who work so hard. 

“At the end of this academic year, we will have a number of second and third year students who will be moving onto university, employment and even scholarship opportunities in America.

“To hopefully finish their journey at the college with a national final win would be nothing less than they deserve.”  

Talented Year 11 footballers are invited to attend the college’s Football Open Day on Wednesday, April 13, which is open to any who might like to join the men’s and women’s Football Academy.

Anyone interested should contact James directly by emailing james.bennett@bishopburton.ac.uk.