York and District under-13s make history with cup win
Tony Wales coached the side from the first round in November to the final
York and District under-13s have become the first York schools football team to win a national cup competition.
They beat Southampton 2-0 in the final of the English Schools Inter Association FA Cup final.
Coach Tony Wales told BBC Radio York: "They were outstanding. The whole thing hasn't really sunk in just yet of what we've actually achieved.
"We've been all over the country and it was just an awesome experience for everyone involved with York schools."
The team is made up of boys from schools across York and its surrounding areas and they only come together to play in matches.
Wales said: "The York Schools set up is a fabulous set up to be involved in and it's something we're all extremely proud to be involved in.
It was an excellent game and an excellent advert for schools football
York coach Tony Wales
"My assistant and I just actively encourage them to play and relax. They're 13, they're going to make mistakes and I think the worst thing you can do to a child on a football park is constantly be talking. We try and let them make their own decisions.
"Clearly with it being a schoolboy game we knew that Southampton would be a good team. It was an excellent game and an excellent advert for schools football."
Team member Joe said: "It was brilliant. It was a great experience to be playing at a league stadium (Stadium MK, home of MK Dons) and the crowd was fantastic."
His team mate Ben added: "I think it's unbelievable how a few months ago we were all dreaming about winning this cup and now we've won it so we can stop dreaming and live it."
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