Congratulations and thanks to everyone involved in our Greater Manchester County Cup win on Friday 13th May. It was the perfect way to end three years of town team football.

Our opposition from Wirral put up a good fight and had us worried for a while at the start of the second half but in the end the quality of our football and indomitable team spirit shone through.

Bolton win the cup!

Bolton S.F.A: G.M.C.S.F.A Under 15 County Cup Winners 2016

The past three seasons have been enjoyable and successful. This squad has managed to win three trophies and reach a further three finals in that time. More importantly we have consistently conducted ourselves as any schools’ side should, with a good attitude and a healthy respect for opposition sides, their supporters and match officials.

Although there are no more town team fixtures for this group of players I hope very much to see the squad well represented in next year’s Greater Manchester Schools Under 16 County side. Details of the trials for that elite squad will appear on this page in due course.

An enormous thanks must go to our inspirational manager Mr Baldwin who has dedicated so much of his time and energy to this project. He has been ably assisted by Mr Moulden and Mr Walton during his time in charge and we are extremely grateful to them too.

It goes without saying that we have been very fortunate to have been followed up and down the country in all sorts of weather by an outstanding group of supporters. Thanks to all parents, carers, other family members and friends who have turned out to cheer us on.

Thanks also to staff at all of the Bolton schools represented by our players and to the local grassroots and professional clubs who have worked alongside us over the three seasons. Our fantastic new kit was provided by local company Forrest and their Chief Executive Lee McCarren. For that incredible act of generosity and support we are very grateful indeed.

I will leave the final word to Mr Devlin who most of you will remember as our enthusiastic coach in our first season together. When I texted him after the cup final to thank him for coming to watch this was his reply: ” They are a special bunch of lads and it was a perfect way to end their three years, I’m glad I went.”

And so say all of us!

Best wishes

Mr Jackson