Fairfax U16s Football Team: Fairfax Academy has four more trophies to add to its growing collection after the school’s Under‑16 Football Team won an extraordinary 24 out of 25 games this season.
In just three weeks, the squad finished as County, City and Sutton/Erdington Champions, as well as winning the Birmingham Super Cup, with their only loss coming in the quarter‑finals of the National Cup – the sole blemish on an otherwise outstanding campaign.
Principal and U16s Manager Sean Castle said he has never seen a squad with such talent.
He said: “This would be a remarkable achievement for any school team, and it is something the lads should be incredibly proud of and take with them for a long time.
“The sheer quality of the players really stands out, but talent alone doesn’t win four trophies – it’s the discipline, the teamwork, and the willingness to push each other that makes the difference.
“I’m a strong believer in the power of sport to teach valuable life skills such as resilience, teamwork and performing under pressure, and this group has demonstrated those qualities every step of the way.”
Their rapid haul of trophies began with a 4-nil victory over local rivals Arthur Terry in the Birmingham Cup Final. Striker Remiah Allen contributed to the scoreline in textbook fashion, helping the team lift the All Birmingham Cup.
The Sutton/Erdington Cup followed, remaining goalless through normal time. In the resulting penalty shootout, all six Fairfax players converted with impressive composure to secure the victory.
Captain Ben Roberts said: “It took a lot of confidence to step up in the penalty shoot-out, but we were confident in our abilities to put them away.”
Fairfax went on to secure the Birmingham Super Cup with a convincing 3-nil win over Cardinal Wiseman, showcasing excellent teamwork and well‑executed set pieces. The next week, and in their final game of the season, the squad produced a convincing 4-nil win over Pool Hayes in the West Midlands County Cup.
Centre‑half pairing and joint Captains Ollie Daniels and Ben Roberts were outstanding throughout the finals, forming an impenetrable defensive partnership against teams with very different attacking styles.
Captain Ollie Daniels said he wasn’t surprised they had four clean sheets in four finals, adding: “I backed the team to do it every time, we do not doubt our abilities”
Assistant Manager Mr Campbell, who works alongside Mr Trowman, added: “The standard of football this season has been exceptional, but what has impressed me just as much, is the respect our players have shown every opponent.
“Their sportsmanship has been first class, and that’s something we value just as highly as the results.
“I hope they look back on this time with real pride – not only for the trophies they’ve won, but for the way they’ve represented the school.”
Principal Sean Castle said there were several people to thank for this incredible season.
He said: “I really want to thank the players’ families for their support and encouragement at home and on the sidelines. The Vesey Practice, in Sutton Coldfield were also generous in sponsoring the team kit, which has given the players a real sense of identity and pride. The Sutton United Football Club and their General Manager Richard Heath were kind enough to host our home games too. Access to a professional‑standard pitch and facilities gave the players a real sense of occasion every time they stepped onto the field.”
Students from the Fairfax U16 Football Team who are staying at Fairfax post-GCSE will have the opportunity to represent the Sixth Form in competitions next year, with the ambition next season to go perfect, and bring home the National title.
In the meantime, the four new trophies will take pride of place in the recently redecorated main hall, a fitting home for such remarkable achievements.